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Establishment of Sino-Thai Diplomatic Ties "Marked Historical Achievement": Thai FM
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 1975 "marked the historical achievement" of the two countries in promoting their friendship and cordial ties, Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said Friday.
"Amid a complicated situation during the height of the Cold War in the mid-70s, both Thailand and China realized the need of their strategic partnership for counter-balancing the regional situation, "the foreign minister recalled during an interview on the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
"Although at that time, many obstacles prevented the two sides from reaching out to each other," he said, "the courage and vision of the then leaders of Thailand and China eventually laid a foundation for the present Sino-Thai bond of friendship."
"Such engagement has not only benefited the two countries, but also has brought peace, stability and prosperity to our region," he said.
Citing that "both Thai and Chinese people are very close in clan, religion, beliefs, lifestyle and other aspects," the minister declared that "the existing common bonds have already united the people of the two nations together."
"Despite the fact that the two countries hold different political systems," he said, "their cordial relations have grown rapidly from strength to strength."
"The two countries also cooperate closely in all fields and at all times, especially when the other side needs it. For example, China bought Thai products when asked and China sold diesel to Thailand when the latter needs it," he noted.
"Since 1975, the Sino-Thai relations have made significant and effective achievements in all fields. The vivid example is the friendly and frequent exchange of visits at all levels, " he said.
"The members of the royal Thai family visit China every year while the top leaders of China regularly visit Thailand, as marked by last year's visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin," he stated.
"At the lower level, a number of delegations from various fields from either Thailand or China visit each other," Pitsuwan said.
Another outstanding achievement in cooperation between the two countries is in the multilateral arena, he noted.
"ASEAN Plus Three (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus China, Japan and South Korea), ARF (the ASEAN Regional Forum), APEC (the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) and WTO (the World Trade Organization) are the examples which signify that both countries have worked with as well as supported each other," he said.
When asked about how the Sino-Thai ties have influenced Asia and the world as a whole, he said, "it has already proved that the two countries are good partners and their relations are strategically important to the region."
The mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, he said, "have provided room for bilateral political and economic cooperation, as well as help maintain stability in the region and the world at large."
A good example in recent years is China's firm decision not to devalue its currency, the Renminbi yuan, during the Asian crisis, according to the foreign minister.
Reiterating that Thailand always adheres to the "one China" policy,the minister said he hoped the Taiwan question could be settled peacefully, with a view to "maintaining stability,and well- being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
When responding to a question about the prospect of the Sino- Thai relations, the foreign minister predicted, "The new millennium will be the millennium of friendship and cooperation between Thailand and China as we are implementing the Sino-Thai Plan of Action for the 21st Century."
"Our existing happy ties will continue to grow even further, with a view to promoting our mutual interests and prosperity. This will become true by the joint efforts of the government, the private sector and the people of all walks of life both in Thailand and China," he said.
"Finally, let me cite a famous speech of President Jiang Zemin: 'enhance good neighborliness and friendship and build a better future together'."
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