Chinese Vice-president Leaves Thailand for IndonesiaChinese Vice- President Hu Jintao left Chiang Mai Saturday morning for Indonesia, ending his five-day official visit to Thailand.Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing were saw off at the Chiang Mai Airport by Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor Pravit Sihsobhon of the Chiang Mai Province, China's Ambassador to Thailand Fu Xuezhang and Consul-General Liu yongxing of China's General Consulate in Chiang Mai. Hu's visit marks another significant visit of senior Chinese leaders to Thailand since Chinese President Jiang Zemin paid a historical visit to the country last September. During his stay in the kingdom, Hu held separate meetings with King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakrit Sirindhorn, President of the National Assembly Bhichai Rattakul, Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, Supreme Commander Mongkon Ampornpisit and leaders of major ruling and opposition political parties. He also met representatives of overseas Chinese both in Bangkok and the northern province of Chiang Mai, the second stop of his visit in Thailand. In the remarks he made during this visit, Hu reiterated that China and Thailand has established an all-round partnership of good-neighborliness and mutual trust, which has set a good example of friendly and cooperative relations between countries with different political systems. He stressed that the Sino-Thai cooperation at the regional and international levels has made great contributions to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. "We believe that in the new millennium the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples will further develop into a higher level, " said the Chinese vice-president. During a speech delivered at a grand banquet in his honor sponsored by Thai business circle and Chinese communities, Hu informed the Thai businessmen about the strong recovery and rapid growth of the Chinese economy. China's entry into the World Trade Organization and it's west development policy are sure to bring greater opportunities to foreign investors, he said. He also praised the smooth bilateral trade and commerce cooperation between China and Thailand. Thailand is the second leg of Hu's five-nation tour. Before visiting Thailand, he has visited Myanmar between July 16 and 18. He is expected to visit Indonesia, Byelorussia and Kazhakhstan from July 22 to 30. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |