Wen says China to enhance relations with Thailand

NANNING, China, Oct. 31, 2006 -- China will as always push forward its relations with Thailand and press forward bilateral cooperation comprehensively, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Tuesday.

Thailand is China's friendly neighbor and important cooperation partner, said Wen while meeting Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who had attended the commemorative summit marking the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue partnership.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand, he said, noting that the development of bilateral relationship will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to regional peace and development.

In order to facilitate the comprehensive bilateral cooperation and deepen the traditional friendship with Thailand, China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges, draft an action plan on strategic cooperation, and ensure that more substantial results come out of the cooperation, said Wen.

He also urged the two sides to ink an agreement on educational cooperation.

The Thai people regard China as a sincere friend. The Thai government will unswervingly adhere to the friendly policy toward China, Surayud said.

He hoped that transport links between Thailand and China could be strengthened so as to create a better condition for bilateral trade.

Trade volume between China and Thailand hit 2.18 million U.S. dollars last year, making China the third largest trading partner of Thailand.