Chinese, Thai FMs meet on ties

BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Wednesday held talks with Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Thailand's minister of foreign affairs, exchanging views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

"China and Thailand are good close neighbors," said Yang, noting friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been developing smoothly under the joint efforts of both sides.

China is willing to expand strategic cooperations with Thailand so as to deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, he promised.

According to China's foreign minister, Thailand will play a bigger role in promoting relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and deepening regional cooperation in East Asia, as Thailand becomes the coordinator between China and ASEAN in July.

Surapong said Thailand attaches great importance to developing a strategic partnership with China.

China's development will help promote regional peace and stability, Thailand's foreign minister added.

Surapong also expressed Thailand's willingness to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields, and promote ties between China and the ASEAN.

Surapong is in China on an official visit from July 1 to 5.