Vientiane, October 11, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with Thailand as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. During a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held on the sidelines of the East Asia cooperation summits in Vientiane, Li emphasized the long-standing friendship between the nations and called for deeper strategic collaboration.
Premier Li highlighted the achievements made under the strategic guidance of both nations’ leaders, noting the steady progress in the construction of the China-Thailand community with a shared future. He cited fruitful cooperation across multiple sectors, including people-to-people exchanges, and reiterated the popular sentiment of “China and Thailand as one family.”
Li expressed China’s readiness to work with Thailand to align their development strategies, focusing on key areas such as industrial integration, digital economy, and new energy. He particularly emphasized accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway and supporting economic transformation in both countries.
The Chinese premier also called for celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, advocating for enhanced exchanges in media, culture, tourism, and education to strengthen public support for the partnership. He urged both nations to cooperate closely on implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and enhancing regional economic integration.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra echoed Li’s sentiments, expressing Thailand’s commitment to deepening high-level exchanges and promoting economic cooperation, particularly in trade and agriculture. She emphasized the importance of joint efforts in tackling transnational crimes, including online gambling and telephone fraud, and stressed Thailand’s willingness to collaborate within multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.
As the two countries prepare to celebrate their half-century of diplomatic relations, both leaders affirmed their commitment to building a stronger China-Thailand community with a shared future, ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
