On 8 March 2010, Mr. Hu Zhengyue, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, on the occasion of his official visit to Thailand, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gist as follows:
Assistant Foreign Minister Hu appreciated warm welcome from the Thai side and delivered a greeting message from Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi to Foreign Minister Kasit. On this occasion, Assistant Foreign Minister Hu informed the Chinese Government’s readiness to receive with the highest honour the visit to China of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in April 2010.
During discussion, both sides exchanged views on several issues. With regards to bilateral relations, both sides noted that the progress on close relations between Thailand and China has been developed on mutual trust from a long historical period as well as the 35 years of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. Foreign Minister Kasit stressed the importance Thailand attaches to China and its aim to strengthen relations with China in all aspects. He also mentioned about Thailand’s effort to expand its relations with China by establishing its 8 Consulates-General in various provinces of China. Both sides also welcomed increasing cooperation on trade and tourism areas. Besides underscoring the existing close relations and cooperation between the two countries, Foreign Minister Kasit affirmed Thailand`s readiness to support and cooperate with the Chinese side on other areas such as sports and technology, Expo 2010 in Shanghai and Asian Games 2010 in Guangzhou.
With regards to multilateral cooperation, both sides agreed that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) can be key actors in enhancing cooperation on connectivity in the region. Assistant Foreign Minister Hu asserted that since Thailand had played an important role in the region, China stood ready to cooperate with Thailand in enhancing the regional development cooperation and resolving regional issues, as well as promoting other cooperation under ASEAN framework. On the issue of the low level of the Mekong River, Foreign Minister Kasit viewed that both sides cooperate to prevent the drought in the future by collecting related statistics to help predict weather condition and promoting reforestation along the Mekong River.
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