China and Thailand on Monday signed two agreements to promote
bilateral strategic cooperation.
The Joint Action Plan on China-Thailand Strategic Cooperation
and the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Academic Degrees in
Higher Education were signed after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held
talks with visiting Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.
Wen said the action plan would set detailed goals for future
cooperation and have a positive effect on China's relations with
other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
Surayud said the agreements showed the common will of the two
countries to enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, which was
in the interests of the two peoples.
Wen also suggested the promotion of bilateral ties from five
aspects: maintaining high-level visits, especially timely
communication on major bilateral and international issues;
enhancing trade relations; expanding cooperation in education,
culture and disease prevention; promoting relations between border
cities; and strengthening cooperation in defense and fighting
drugs.
He said the Chinese government hoped the two countries could
make further efforts in the five aspects.
Surayud agreed with Wen on his proposals, saying Thailand would
strengthen exchanges and expand cooperation, including technology,
transportation and shipping.
He encouraged Chinese companies to join in the construction of
roads, railways and industrial zones in Thailand.
Surayud said Thailand would actively participate in the World
Expo in Shanghai 2010.
The two sides also discussed cooperation on regional issues.
Wen said China supported the ASEAN plus China, Japan and the
Republic of Korea (10+3) as the major channel to promote the east
Asia cooperation, and supported the second joint statement on east
Asia cooperation in the upcoming summit meeting at the end of this
year.
He said China would work with other nations to promote a sound
development of regional organizations, such as the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation forum, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the
ASEAN Regional Forum, so as to contribute to regional stability and
prosperity.
Surayud arrived here on Monday on a two-day official visit as
the guest of Wen.
This is his first visit to China since being appointed prime
minister in October 2006.
Surayud will also visit a temple and Olympic Games facilities in
Beijing and tour Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan
Province.
(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2007)
