On the morning of August 24, 2001, Premier Zhu Rongji met with visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Great Hall of the People.

Zhu welcomed Sirindhorn for visiting China again, noting that she is a remarkable envoy of friendship between China and Thailand. Zhu appreciated her precious contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples in the past years.

Zhu said that China and Thailand are good friends, neighbors, and relatives. The fact that bilateral relations have long maintained sound and steady development is attributable to the care and support of the Thai King and the entire Royal Family. The Chinese side is ready to continue to work with the Thai side to further develop and deepen bilateral good-neighborly and friendly relations of cooperation. Zhu remarked that Prime Minister Thaksin is to visit China in several days time, adding that he looks forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with the Thai Prime Minister.

Sirindhorn said that she visited China many times since 1981 and has seen with her own eye the great changes taking place in China. She admires the economic achievements made by the Chinese government and people and would like to work further to bring her understanding and knowledge of China to the Thai people.