Chinese Vice President Meets Thai Guests

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao met in Beijing Thursday with visiting Anand Panyarachun, a special envoy from the Thai government and former Thai prime minister, and his party.

Hu welcomed Anand to China for the celebrating of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, and expressed his appreciation for the contribution made by Anand in promoting Sino-Thai relations.

Hu spoke highly of Sino-Thai relations, which have become closer since the two countries forged diplomatic ties. The frequent exchange of visits among senior officials of the two countries have deepened mutual understanding and trust, and promoted the bilateral relations in a healthy way, he added.

He said that the two countries have had fruitful cooperation in political, economic and cultural areas, and can be called a good example of friendly co-existence and mutual benefit between two counties with different social systems.

Hu said that during the visit of President Jiang Zemin to Thailand last year, the two countries signed a joint statement on bilateral cooperation in the 21st century, and laid a solid foundation for the development of the friendly and cooperative relations.

"We believe that with the common efforts of both sides, Sino- Thai relations will be elevated to a new stage with vitality and full development," Hu said.

Anand said the Thai government entrusted him to visit China to celebrate the 25th anniversary of China-Thai diplomatic ties, adding that the bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the two countries forged ties.

He said that the two sides have conducted friendly cooperation in all fields, and there is no distrust or misunderstanding between the two countries.

He noted that the cooperation between Thailand and China helps maintain regional stability, the Thai and Chinese people are members of a family, and the Sino-Thai friendship conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

He also said that China, as a large country, has maintained the value of Renminbi during the Asia financial crisis, and helped neighboring countries, thus contributing to the regional economic recovery and development.





People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/