Bangkok: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, highlighted the strong friendship and cooperation between Thailand and China during a farewell meeting with Mr. Han Zhiqiang, the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Ambassador Han for his significant contributions in fostering Thai-Chinese relations during his tenure. She assured that the Thai government and relevant agencies are prepared to continue working closely with the incoming Chinese Ambassador to further enhance the bilateral ties.
Ambassador Han, who has served in Thailand for over three years, acknowledged the continuous progress in Thai-Chinese relations. He praised the Prime Minister’s efforts in promoting cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels and expressed optimism about the future of the relationship despite global changes.
During their meeting, they discussed cooperation in areas such as tourism, where China plans to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Thailand through cultural exchanges and events like the ‘Hello Nihao’ event. The Prime Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to being a key tourist destination and highlighted tourism’s role in connecting the economies and cultures of the two nations.
The discussion also covered agricultural cooperation, particularly the export of Thai durian to China. The Prime Minister noted the improved efficiency in durian exports, thanks to Chinese-Thai collaboration, which has reduced delivery times significantly and increased trade value.
Regarding regional cooperation, the Prime Minister welcomed the upcoming visit of the Chinese Premier for the 5th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework Meeting. Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhancing regional cooperation amidst global uncertainties.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Han for his dedication and emphasized that true friendship between countries depends on mutual understanding and cooperation, wishing him success in his future endeavors.