Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on September 29 received the Medal of Friendship, China’s highest state honor for foreigners, from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The presentation of the Medal of Friendship took place in a ceremony, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Her Royal Highness is among the six foreigners who were awarded the Medal of Friendship.

The Chinese President said that the ceremony aims to confer the highest national honor on outstanding people who have made great contributions to China’s national construction and development, and international friends who have made outstanding contributions to promoting Sino-foreign exchanges and cooperation.

According to Xinhua news agency, Her Royal Highness said in a written reply that she was very impressed with the Medal of Friendship conferred by the Chinese government and excited at the awarding event in China, which she described as an important experience in her life.

She noted that both the Chinese people and the Chinese leaders have had patience, perseverance, diligence, and desire for knowledge so as to have acquired prosperity up to now.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Her Royal Highness said, "I wish the People’s Republic of China to acquire progress and success and the Chinese people to have physical and mental happiness, prosperity and stability.”