Thai Deputy PM promises Thailand will help strengthen ASEAN-China relations

NANNING, September 18 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn assured that Thailand would play important roles in boosting relations between ASEAN and China. He expressed the stance while attending the opening of the 12th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China, on Sept 18. He was among ministers of 10 ASEAN member states who witnessed the official opening of the exposition. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli presided over the opening ceremony. In his speech on the occasion, Gen Tanasak invited visitors to enter the Thai Pavilion. Apart from supporting ASEAN-China relations, the Thai deputy prime minister also promised to improve land and marine transport networks in the region. Gen Tanasak and the deputy vice premier of China also officially opened the Thai Pavilion that is recognized as the Country of Honor Pavilion in this exposition as Thailand and China are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. At the pavilion, there are exhibitions and activities reflecting Sino-Thai businesses, cultures and relations from the past to present. Pattaya City is also promoted there. A large number of Thai operators are among representatives of 2,200 Chinese and ASEAN companies participating in the exposition. It carries the theme of "creating a new blueprint for maritime cooperation by jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road" and will continue until Sept 21. (TNA)