BANGKOK - Thai parliamentary leader Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said here Tuesday that his country hopes very much for China to help build high-speed rail as soon as possible so as to further improve domestic infrastructure.

The president of the National Legislative Assembly made the remarks during talks with Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who arrived here in the morning for a four-day visit.

The official said the Thai parliament is trying its best to quicken the steps in interlinking Thailand's and China's infrastructure, especially in the building of high-speed railways, which is part of the practical cooperation between the two neighbors.

"Your visit to Thailand will further improve the already good relationship between our two countries and further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries as well," he said.

Yu said that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic ties and that his visit to Thailand is therefore of special importance.

China, he said, is willing to be Thailand's close friend, good neighbor and good partner.

Thailand is the first leg of Yu's two-nation tour, which will also take him to Indonesia.