President Jiang Zemin Meets Thai Queen

President Jiang Zemin Meets Thai Queen

President Jiang Zemin Monday described China-Thai relations as a model under the guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and also one under two different social systems.

So long as both sides join efforts to develop relations in accordance to the common aspiration of their peoples, the China-Thai friendship will display more vigor in the new millennium, he said at a meeting with Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Thai queen arrived here this afternoon for a visit on behalf of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The visit, the first ever by the queen, demonstrates the unusual relations between China and Thailand, Jiang said, expressing the conviction that the visit will further push forward the healthy and stable progress of bilateral ties.

Recalling his visit to Thailand last September, Jiang said China and Thailand are close neighbors with a long friendship and their relationship is very similar to those between family members.

He underlined the importance of frequent meetings between leaders of both countries, saying this plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the bilateral friendship.

China highly appreciates the emphasis attached by the King and the Queen on developing relations with China, Jiang said, adding that such a friendship is of vital importance to both peoples and the peace, stability and prosperity of the whole region.

Queen Sirikit said that she has realized a long-term dream of visiting China and that Thailand is willing to further promote its cooperation with China in various fields.

Upon her arrival in Beijing this afternoon, Vice-President Hu Jintao presided over a welcoming ceremony on behalf of President Jiang Zemin in honor of the Queen and her party at the square to the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.