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.

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2007)