Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday in Vientiane, pledging to strengthen the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and Thailand as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the East Asia cooperation leaders’ summit, Premier Li emphasized the longstanding ties between China and Thailand, referring to the nations as “close friends and neighbors linked by mountains and rivers.” He highlighted the progress made under the strategic guidance of both countries’ leaders, noting fruitful cooperation across various fields and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
“The concept of ‘China and Thailand as one family’ has gained greater popularity,” Li said, expressing optimism for even closer relations that would bring more benefits to the peoples of both nations.
Premier Li reaffirmed China’s support for Thailand’s pursuit of a development path suited to its national conditions and expressed readiness to be Thailand’s trustworthy and reliable partner. He called for better alignment of development strategies, active policy communication, and acceleration of key projects like the China-Thailand railway.
Li proposed deepening cooperation in areas such as industrial parks, the digital economy, new energy vehicles, and photovoltaics to support economic transformation and upgrading in both countries. He also suggested jointly hosting activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year and enhancing exchanges in media, culture, tourism, education, and youth to strengthen public support for bilateral friendship.
Regarding regional cooperation, Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Thailand to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement effectively, accelerate regional economic integration, and strengthen multilateral coordination to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
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Premier Li calls to further friendship, cooperation with Thailand
cgtn.com
