Chinese premier makes four-point proposal to upgrade ties with Thailand (3)

Among ASEAN nations, Thailand was the first to sign a joint declaration on cooperation plan for the 21st century with China, the first to advance strategic cooperation with China, and the first to realize zero tariff on vegetables and fruits with China.

Thailand is also the first ASEAN nation to host a Chinese cultural center and to hold regular defense consultations with China. It will soon have more consulates in China than any other country in the world.

He said in recent years the China-Thailand relationship has exceeded the bilateral level and played a guiding role in the development of China's relations with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole.

China is ready to work with Thailand to strengthen coordination on regional and multilateral cooperation, and to keep close communication and collaboration on regional and global issues, Li said.

He also assured Thai lawmakers that China is capable of meeting this year's economic and social development goals, and of maintaining sustainable and healthy economic growth in the coming years, which would provide more opportunities for Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations.

Li said the China-Thailand cooperation has entered a fast track and the bilateral friendship has been ingrained in the hearts of the two peoples.

He believed that the two-way comprehensive and mutually-beneficial cooperation will attain greater achievements and the traditional amity between two nations will be cemented by new bond.

Li arrived here earlier in the day for an official visit to Thailand, the second leg of his maiden trip to Southeast Asia since he took office in March.

Before arriving in Bangkok, Li attended a series of meetings with East Asian leaders in Brunei and paid an official visit to the country.

After the Thailand trip, the Chinese premier will travel on to Vietnam.