On 10-11 June 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, his first official visit to the country since the assumption of his office. The visit was aimed to discuss the preparations for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to China on 24-26 of this month. Foreign Minister Kasit held talks with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Mr. Yang Jiechi, the Foreign Minister of the PRC and Mr. Wang Jiarui, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
During the meetings, both sides agreed that the close and cordial ties between Thailand and the PRC have been prospering at all levels. Foreign Minister Kasit expressed his appreciation for the hospitality that the PRC has always extended to the Thai royal family during various visits in the past. The two sides also discussed the upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to China during which FM Yang reassured FM Kasit that the Chinese side looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abhisit and will coordinate closely with the Thai side to ensure its smooth success.
During his meeting with FM Wang and Vice Premier Li, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on trade, investment and tourism to ensure that the agreed targets set by the 5-year Joint Action Plan on Thailand-China Strategic Cooperation to increase two-way trade, investment and tourism will be met. In this connection, FM Kasit pointed out Thailand’s economic stimulus packages that offer various investment opportunities for China such as in the infrastructure projects. FM Kasit reassured the Chinese Government on the safety of Chinese tourists to the Kingdom.
With Thailand as ASEAN Chair, the Chinese side emphasized the importance China placed on the organization. FM Yang hoped to see ASEAN-China FTA implemented by the end of 2009 and the establishment of Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) fund completed at the earliest opportunity. FM Kasit assured Vice Premier Li and FM Yang of Thailand’s readiness to host the upcoming 15th ASEAN Summit in Phuket in October this year. Vice Premier Li and FM Yang expressed confidence that Thailand will be able to host the meeting smoothly as planned.
The two sides also took the opportunity to discuss important regional issues of mutual interests such as development in Burma, the situation in Korean Peninsula, cooperation in the Maekong region, and measures to tackle the global economic crisis.
During the visit, FM Kasit gave an interview to the Chinese media. The media’s questions reflected their interests in the upcoming visit of PM Abhisit and Thailand’s role and agenda as ASEAN Chair.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th