Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on being formally crowned on May 4.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi expressed sincere congratulation in a message and best wishes to the king and the Thai people.

The king is an old friend of the Chinese people and has been active and supportive towards the cause of friendship between the two countries for a long time, Xi said in the message.

“I attach great importance to the development of China-Thailand relations and stand ready to make joint efforts with you to carry forward the traditional China-Thailand friendship, deepen cooperation in building the Belt and Road jointly, and push forward the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to make greater headway,” Xi said.

People hold portraits of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn as they wait near the Grand Palace during the royal coronation in Bangkok on May 4.

Xi wished the Kingdom of Thailand prosperity and its people happiness and good health.

The monarch is now known as King Rama X, the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty founded in the late 18th Century.

“Most people in Thailand have never seen any coronation before,” said Korn Dabbaransi, president of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association. “So everyone is looking forward to witnessing a coronation for the first time.”