Chinese President Hu Jintao urges stronger Thailand ties

 

President Hu Jintao has met with Thailand's Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra in Beijing. Heading a 100-strong business delegation, Yingluck is on a three-day official visit to China, aiming to boost bilateral ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a meeting in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2012.[Xinhua]

A meeting to seal the deal.

Hu Jintao praised the smooth development of Sino-Thai relations since they established ties 37 years ago. He told the Thai prime minister that both sides should strengthen trust through a strategic cooperative partnership.

The two countries have signed a new joint action plan for strategic cooperation... as well as a five-year plan for economic and trade development. He called on both sides to implement these plans to expand trade and investment.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (1st R) meets with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (1st L) in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2012..[Xinhua]

Security was also on the agenda. The President called for better cooperation in joint security patrols on the Mekong River, counter-terrorism and the fight against cross-border crimes.

He also stressed the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Yingluck echoed his views on the importance of their relationship. She said Thailand wants to increase bilateral exchanges between governments and parties. She also wants to see greater cooperation on trade, investment, environmental protection, energy and tourism.

Yingluck also spoke highly of China's role in Asian affairs. She said Thailand is willing to contribute more to promote ASEAN-China relations and work with China to maintain regional peace, stability and development.

She also thanked China for the assistance given to Thailand during last year's massive floods.

On Wednesday, Yingluck also held talks with China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, and Vice President, Xi Jinping.