PM to discuss high-speed railway project with Chinese president

CHINA, Sept 4 (TNA) -- Prime Minsiter Prayut Chan-o-cha will discuss high-speed railway topics and the Belt and Road Initiative with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his participation in the BRICS Summit in Fujian province on Sept 4 and 5. Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said that both would have a bilateral talk in the afternoon and topics would include trade, investment, logistics and high-speed railway ideas. Both sides will sign a bilateral cooperation agreement on high-speed railway construction that is an important element in the important Belt and Road Initiative of China, Lt Gen Werachon said. Gen Prayut will also have a bilateral talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss trade, investment, education, security, military cooperation, research, technology and joint development. Asked whether Thailand would be invited to the next summit of BRICS, the deputy government spokesman said it would depend on how Thailand played its roles in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative of China and the interests of other member countries. Lt Gen Werachon said China invited Thailand to this BRICS Summit as only one participant from Southeast Asia because China attached importance to Thailand and saw bilateral cooperation potential. BRICS consists of five fast-growing economies namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. (TNA)