Chinese VP pledges to boost ties with Thailand

BEIJING - Vice-President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and Thailand to enhance their strategic partnership in order to make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi, during a meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, hailed the mutual respect, trust, cooperation and common development that have made the two states "examples of friendly co-existence."

"It conforms with the interests of the two countries and peoples and represents an example for other countries neighboring China," he said.

He called on the two sides to maintain high-level contacts, deepen substantial cooperation, expand humanitarian exchanges and enhance coordination on international and regional issues.

Surapong said his country cherishes its friendship with China's people and will work with China to implement a strategic action plan in order to boost bilateral ties and cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Surapong is in China on an official visit from July 1 to 5.