China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand in Beijing on Monday, marking a significant step in strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
As China celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China this year, and with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand approaching next year, both countries are presented with new opportunities for collaboration. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized the shared prospects during the meeting.
“Both countries face new historical opportunities in their respective modernization developments and the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future,” Wang said.
Economic ties between China and Thailand have been growing robustly. China has been Thailand’s largest trading partner for several consecutive years and has recently become the largest source of foreign investment in Thailand. Wang highlighted the immense potential for cooperation, noting the momentum in mutual collaboration.
Additionally, cultural exchanges are on the rise. On the first day that the mutual visa exemption between China and Thailand took effect, over 20,000 arrivals were recorded between the two countries, signaling a strong interest in people-to-people interactions.
Princess Sirindhorn has played a pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations, having visited China over 50 times. Wang praised her contributions, stating that her visits vividly depict the closeness between China and Thailand and serve as a model for promoting friendship.
China values its traditional friendship with the Thai royal family and is committed to working with Thailand to implement the consensus reached at the highest levels, Wang added.
Princess Sirindhorn expressed the Thai royal family’s appreciation for the friendship with China. She emphasized Thailand’s readiness to enhance practical cooperation with China in various fields, including science and technology, agriculture, and education.
“Thailand is ready to take the opportunity of next year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations to further strengthen practical cooperation with China,” she said, highlighting the goal of continuously promoting mutual understanding and closeness between the peoples of the two countries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
