SEAToday.com, Lima – Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand Railway and expanding cooperation in innovative fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Friday (11/15).

Xi highlighted the enduring close relationship between China and Thailand, rooted in the concept of “China and Thailand as one family,” which has stood the test of time and gained renewed vitality.

As 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, which will also be celebrated as the Golden Year of Friendship, Xi expressed China's readiness to collaborate with Thailand to build on their traditional ties. He proposed aligning development strategies, exchanging governance experiences, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors, and supporting modernization efforts in both countries. Xi also emphasized the goal of building a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

The Chinese president called for strengthening cultural, educational, and youth exchanges, as well as organizing events like the preservation of Buddhist tooth relics in Thailand, to deepen people-to-people ties and ensure the continuation of the China-Thailand friendship for future generations.

Xi also reaffirmed China's commitment to collaborating with Thailand through multilateral mechanisms such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, ASEAN, BRICS, and APEC. He stressed the importance of maintaining regional unity and cooperation to promote peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed Thailand’s interest in learning from China’s development success, advancing the Thailand-China Railway and other Belt and Road cooperation projects, enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and further deepening the traditional friendship between the two nations.