Chinese President Hu Jintao welcomed Thai Prime Minister Surayud
Chulanont during his first visit to China since being appointed to
the office in October 2006.
China regards Thailand as a close, trustworthy, and cooperative
friend, and respects the development path chosen by the Thai
people, Hu said during their meeting on Monday afternoon.
Hu said the two countries have enjoyed a sound and broad
development of relations on the basis of the five principles of
peaceful coexistence since the establishment of diplomatic ties 32
years ago.
The China-Thailand friendship is a good example of China's
harmonious and reciprocal relations with neighboring countries, Hu
added.
The two countries were set to sign an action plan for strategic
cooperation on Monday, which Hu hoped would inject vitality into
the development of bilateral relations.
He also appreciates Thailand's adherence to the one-China
policy.
Surayud expressed gratitude for the consistent support from the
Chinese government for Thailand, adding that the Thai government
regarded the plan as an opportunity to enhance strategic relations
with China, and deepen cooperation.
Surayud said the Thai government would maintain its one-China
policy.
Surayud arrived in China on Monday for a two-day official visit
as the guest of Premier Wen Jiabao. He will also visit a temple and
Olympic Games facilities in Beijing and tour Kunming, capital of
southwest China's Yunnan Province.
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(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2007)
