Bangkok, 7 July 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, met with the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The two sides discussed matters of mutual cooperation. They agreed to uphold traditional relations and expand bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Prayut said that they attach great importance to China’s Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
Similarly, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister said that both countries have enjoyed stable relations. They have also contributed to the developmental work. He added that China and Thailand are as close as a family.
Thailand and China agreed to carry on traditional friendship, expand bilateral cooperation and plan for the future development of relations. –xhtxs.cn/w32 pic.twitter.com/MBnAY5nj2r
— Zhang Meifang张美芳 (@CGMeifangZhang) July 5, 2022
Moreover, he said that they seek to learn from China’s experience and extend China-Thailand cooperation in all fields. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also reiterated that both countries enjoy stable relations and are like a family.
Laos-China-Thailand Railway
Both China and Thailand agreed to work on the extension of the China-Laos Railway to Thailand. It will promote the free flow of goods and will enhance trade cooperation while promoting the growth of industries.
Prime Minister Prayut also showed his interest in working with China in order to foster a shared future. He added that the Thailand 4.0 development strategy with China’s Belt and Road Initiative can help unleash the full potential of the cross-border railway.
The Asia-Pacific Free Trade Zone was also brought under discussion, along with Thailand’s role as the APEC host country.
As a result, more than 20 Chinese provinces have opened cross-border freight train services. They carry more than 100 varieties of goods. Moreover, the first batch of cargo will bring more than 300,000 tons of agricultural and rubber products from Thailand.
According to the Consul General of China in Belfast,
“China proposed 6 programs which will benefit the Lancang-Mekong countries aside from China, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand &Vietnam, including cooperation in agriculture, water resources, digital economy, aerospace, education, and public health.”
