Li praises strong Sino-Thai relations
Chinese premier Li Keqiang becomes the first foreign leader to make appearance at the Thai parliament chamber, where he addressed Thai politicians and businessmen.
He was welcomed to the chamber by House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont. Seen in the chamber include Charoen Pokphand Group chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich.
Taking the podium amid big applause from the audience, Li praised the strong relations between China and Thailand in the past 30 years, which could be a good model for China to strengthen relations with other Asean countries. Thailand's rubber export to China this year tripled from last year's. China extended help to Thailand which experienced the worst tsunami impact in 2004 while similar assistance was offered by Thailand when China's Sichuan province suffered from strong earthquakes.
He stressed that the relations could be strengthened with trust, regular visits of leaders, and strategic cooperation. Personally, he wished more concrete strategies for both countries to achieve the target to boost bilateral trade to US$100 billion in five years.
He also announced that China would import 1 million tonnes of Thai rice this year and import more rubber.
China has knowledge in high-speed train to share with Thailand, he said, adding that the high-speed train would lift the quality of living.
He also planned to allow Thais' entry into China without visa, to pave way for more travelling and cross-cultural exchanges.
