Visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn called Tuesday for further cooperation between China and Thailand in the field of agrobiotechnology in order to face up to future food security challenges.

Sirindhorn made the remarks at the opening ceremony of a two-day China-Thailand Agrobiotechnology Symposium held in Peking University.

China and Thailand, as neighbors, are confronted with food security challenges brought about by increasing population growth, said Sirindhorn, adding that cooperation between the two countries on agrobiotechnology is of great importance.

Scientists from both countries will discuss various topics including agriculture and biotechnology, which will encourage long-term cooperation between the two countries' scientists and push forward both agriculture and industry, she said.

Xu Zhihong, Peking University President, said agriculture was an important part of the economy of both countries, and that scientists from both countries had made great achievements in such fields as planting and irrigation, which help increase the yield and quality of agricultural products.

At the invitation of the Chinese government, Sirindhorn arrived in Beijing on Monday, kicking off her 12-day visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2007)