On the afternoon of August 28, Chairman Li Peng of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and his wife, Mme. Zhu Lin, met with visiting Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Mrs.Shinawatra. Li expressed the gladness of meeting old friends and happily recalled the warm reception accorded him by all the circles of Thailand during his 1999 visit, in particular his visit to Chiang Mai, Thaksin’s hometown.

Li said that Thaksin has had very good meetings and talks with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji during his current visit. The visit is very successful and has made new contributions to the traditional friendship between China and Thailand. Li said that against the backdrop of multi-polarization in the world and economic globalization, China attaches great importance to friendly relations and cooperation with ASEAN countries. Thailand is a country carrying weight in ASEAN, adding it is very important to further develop China-Thailand traditional friendly relations and cooperation. Li is glad to note that the Thai government, no matter who has been in office, has always pursued a friendly policy towards China and the bilateral relations of the two countries can be viewed as a model of peaceful coexistence for countries of different social systems. At present, the two sides are dedicated to developing strategic cooperation between the two countries. Li said that some countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, are improving political and economic situations. We are happy to see that. We hope to see peace and stability in Southeast Asia, which is beneficial to economic development of the countries in the region.

Li remarked that parliamentary exchanges between China and Thailand are an important part of friendly relations between the two countries. For many years, China’s National People’s Congress has maintained friendly exchanges with the Thai parliament. It is hoped that the exchanges and cooperation can be further developed.

Thaksin said that he is glad to meet Chairman Li. He first met Li, the then Premier 9 years ago when he was foreign minister. At that time, he came to China to take the Buddha Finger Relic to Thailand, bringing the friendly feelings of the Chinese people to the Thai people. Thaksin said that every time he comes to China, he receives warm reception by Chinese leaders and can feel their profound feelings. He said that he have friendly feelings of meeting with President Jiang, Chairman Li and Premier Zhu. It is hoped that Thailand and China can establish strategic partnership in international political and economic fields, constantly promoting the development of friendly cooperation between the two countries in all areas. Thaksin invited Chairman Li and his wife to visit Thailand again at their convenience.