China’s newly appointed ambassador to Thailand, Zhang Jianwei, held talks on Thursday with Pinij Jarusombat, former deputy prime minister and current president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Relationship Council, to reaffirm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Reaffirming Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The meeting, which took place at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok on Aug 22, was also joined by Yang Xiaolong, the embassy’s cultural counsellor. Ambassador Zhang praised Mr Pinij for his long-standing efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation between China and Thailand.
Growing Ties Between China and Thailand
Ambassador Zhang noted that the bond between the two countries has stood the test of shifting international dynamics and continues to grow steadily. "The saying ‘China and Thailand are brothers’ has taken deeper root in the hearts of our peoples," Mr Zhang said, adding that the embassy looks forward to working closely with the council to further advance practical cooperation across multiple fields.
Promoting Exchanges Between Local Governments and Communities
Mr Pinij congratulated the ambassador on assuming his new post and commended China’s achievements in modernisation under its own development model. He reaffirmed the council’s support for the embassy’s mission, pledging to uphold the "One China" principle while helping to promote exchanges between local governments, cultural communities and the private sector.
Strengthening Cooperation Across Multiple Fields
He added that the council will continue to encourage bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, culture and other sectors, aiming to elevate Thai-Chinese ties to new heights. This includes promoting tourism, education, science and technology, as well as strengthening economic ties through increased investment and trade.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The council has been actively involved in promoting investment and trade between the two countries. In recent years, Thailand has become one of China’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching a record high in 2020. The embassy is working closely with the council to promote cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Promoting Cultural Exchanges
The council has also been instrumental in promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries. This includes organizing cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that showcase the rich heritage of both China and Thailand. The embassy is working closely with the council to promote people-to-people exchanges, including through educational programs, language training, and cultural scholarships.
Conclusion
The meeting between Ambassador Zhang and Mr Pinij was an important step in reaffirming commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between China and Thailand. The embassy looks forward to working closely with the council to further advance practical cooperation across multiple fields. With its long-standing efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation, the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Relationship Council has played a vital role in fostering deeper ties between the two countries.
In conclusion, the meeting between Ambassador Zhang and Mr Pinij marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between China and Thailand. The embassy’s commitment to working closely with the council will help to promote exchanges between local governments, cultural communities, and the private sector, ultimately elevating Thai-Chinese ties to new heights.