China, Thailand to enhance strategic partnership

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-01-2008 08:27

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has held talks with visiting Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. They say they will work to take their countries' strategic partnership to a new level.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at the welcome ceremony held in Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo)

A grand ceremony was held to welcome Samak after he arrived in Beijing on Monday, kicking off his four-day visit to China.

This is Samak's first visit to China since he was appointed prime minister in January this year.

During the meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao said China highly values its ties with Thailand. He said China and Thailand have always supported each other and safeguarded their common interests, since forging diplomatic ties 33 years ago.

Wen Jiabao thanked Thailand's royal family, government and people for their concern and assistance for quake-hit Sichuan province. He stressed that China is willing to work with Thailand to deepen their friendship, and jointly deal with challenges.

Samak said he is satisfied with the current state of Sino-Thai relations. He expressed confidence that the Chinese government and people will overcome the recent disaster. Samak also extended his best wishes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

Premier Wen said he hoped the two nations will keep up the momentum of high level visits to expand mutual political trust, increase cooperation and promote youth and technical training exchanges.

Samak said Thailand will maintain close contact with China to contribute to the development of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and east Asian cooperation.

Editor:Xiong Qu