Premier calls for closer ties with Thailand

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on September 2 that China takes Thailand as a "sincere partner" and hopes the two sides would seek opportunities to boost relations.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2004.

Wen made the remark during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister and President of the Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra, who is here to attend the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties slated for Sept. 3-5 in Beijing.

Wen said Sino-Thai relations have been developing well in recent years. The consensus reached between leaders of the two countries when Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Thailand last year has laid a foundation for the advancement of bilateral relations.

China and Thailand have seen a promising future in trade and economic cooperation, said the Chinese premier. The two sides can cooperate well in areas of infrastructure construction, biological energy development and agriculture.

According to statistics, two-way trade surged 36 percent in the first six months this year. Vegetable and fruit trade between the two countries grew rapidly to 268 million US dollars in eight months since the zero tariff agreement was enacted.

Thaksin described the two countries as "good friends" and "good relatives." He said the zero tariff agreement on vegetables and fruits has proved a success.

Thaksin stressed that Thailand hopes to enhance cooperation with China in a wider areas.

Wen and Thaksin also exchanged views on regional cooperation and other issues.