Zhu made the remarks in his formal talks with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Zhu told Thaksin that China suggests the pushing forward of all cooperative projects listed in the China-Thailand joint statement for cooperation in the 21st century and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and coordination in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the 10+3 East Asia cooperation mechanism, Asia- Europe Summit, ASEAN regional forum and other multilateral forums.

In the talks Zhu spoke highly of the Sino-Thai ties. The development of the friendly, cooperative and good-neighborly ties with Thailand is "the determined policy" of the Chinese government, Zhu said.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Thaksin to advance bilateral ties after he took office as Thai prime minister.

Thaksin said that the long-standing friendship between the two countries can be traced far back in history. "The two peoples are not only friends, but also relatives," he said.

"Our two countries should build up a strategic partnership not only politically but also economically," he said.

According to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two heads of government discussed bilateral strategic cooperation, in particular the concrete cooperation in the economy and trade, transport, education and culture areas during their two-hour talks.

They also discussed several key projects and reached consensus in many areas, said the source.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen exchanges among young people from the two countries. China gave an active response to the proposal made by the Thai side to run Chinese educational programs in Thailand.

On investment, Zhu said the Chinese government encourages and supports competent and creditable Chinese enterprises pouring more investment into China. Thaksin said he hopes that Chinese enterprises choose Thailand as their investment destination.

The two sides agreed to start discussions with relevant countries and institutions for the construction of the Kunming- Bankok highway.

On anti-drug cooperation, Zhu told Thaksin that the China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand Ministers' Meeting on Drug Control opened in Beijing this morning. He said the meeting will not only strengthen anti-drug efforts in the region but also be conducive to the friendly cooperation between all four nations.

Thaksin agreed with Zhu's views and said he was pleased to see the anti-drug cooperation in the region. "Drug control is a matter concerning all walks of life in Thailand," he said, adding that his country thanked China's support in the regard.

After the talks, governmental officials from the two countries signed three documents; an inter-governmental cultural cooperation agreement, a memorandum of understanding for the setting up of bilateral commercial councils signed by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Thai Chamber of Commerce, and an investment pact signed by the China Worldbest Group in Thailand.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/28/2001)