Thailand and China to further develop bilateral ties

BANGKOK, December 23 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says that she agrees with visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's suggestions on further developing bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Bangkok and Beijing. Yingluck, on behalf of the Thai government and people, thanked China for assistance granted to flood victims during Thailand's flooding crisis over the past couple of months, acknowledging that Xi's ongoing visit to Bangkok is a big boost to not only Thai-Sino relations, but also Thailand's post-floods reconstruction. Thailand is the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to sign the Plan of Action for the 21st Century with China to establish strategic bilateral cooperative relations and to sign a zero tariff agreement on the trade of vegetables and fruits. Since establishing diplomatic relations 36 years ago, the two sides have continued expanding bilateral ties and cooperation in such areas as trade, technology, defence and law enforcement. The two countries also have maintained close coordination in regional and international affairs. Xi said that China attaches great importance to friendly cooperation with Thailand and his current visit to Bangkok is aimed at cementing the traditional friendship and promoting pragmatic cooperation, affirming that China is ready to maintain close coordination with Thailand and make joint efforts to facilitate substantial progress in East Asia cooperation so as to safeguard regional stability, promote economic development and achieve common prosperity. Xi arrived in Bangkok on December 22 for a three-day official visit, his second trip to Thailand in 11 years and the last stop of his ongoing Asian tour, which also earlier took him to Vietnam. (TNA)