Chinese President Starts State Visit to Thailand

　　Chinese President Jiang Zemin arrived at Bangkok on September 2, beginning a five-day state visit to Thailand at the invitation of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

　　Jiang's plane landed at 2:15 p.m. local time (0715 GMT) at the Royal Thai Air Force Airport, where Thai King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit Kitiyakorn greeted Jiang and his wife, Wang Yeping.

　　Jiang was also greeted by Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, Deputy Prime Minister Bhichai Rattakul, Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, Supreme Commander of the Supreme Command Mongkon Ampornpisit as well as chief commanders of three armed services and the police force.

　　At the airport, Jiang was honored with a 21-gun solute before reviewing guards of honor, in the company of King Bhumibol.

　　During his visit in Bangkok, Jiang is expected to hold separate meetings with the king, President of the National Assembly Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, President of the Supreme Court Pintip Sucharitkul, Prime Minister Chuan, and Privy Councilor and former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda.

　　Friday, he will deliver a speech on Sino-Thai relations and China's policy toward Southeast Asia at the Thailand Cultural Center.

　　Jiang will also visit Phuket, an island province in southern Thailand, from where he will leave for Australia before proceeding for New Zealand to attend the informal meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders.

　　Jiang's entourage includes Vice-Premier Qian Qichen and Minister in charge of the State Development Planning Commission Zeng Peiyan.

　　*Jiang Zemin on Sino-Thai Ties

　　The Sino-Thai relations have become a good example of amiable coexistence and friendly cooperation between countries with different social systems, Chinese President Jiang Zemin said at Bangkok on September 2.

　　Jiang arrived in the Thai capital Thursday afternoon to begin a five-day state visit at the invitation of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

　　In a written statement upon arrival, Jiang said, "China and Thailand are close friendly neighbors. The traditional friendship between our two peoples goes back to ancient times,"

　　He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 24 years ago, with concerted efforts made by both sides, the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields has made considerable progress.

　　In the spirit of breaking new grounds for the future, Jiang said, "I am ready to work with the Thai side to promote all-dimensional friendly relations and cooperation between China and Thailand in an even healthier and still more stable direction, so as to bring benefit to our two peoples."

　　"I am sure this wish of mine will be realized," Jiang said, adding he is "very pleased to come to Thailand for a state visit, bringing the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people".

　　During his visit in Bangkok, Jiang is expected to hold separate meetings with the king, President of the National Assembly Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, President of the Supreme Court Pintip Sucharitkul, Prime Minister Chuan, and Privy Councilor and former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda.

　　Tomorrow, he will also deliver a speech on Sino-Thai relations and China's policy towards Southeast Asia at the Thailand Cultural Center. (Xinhua-PD)