China and Thailand agree to strengthen ties in BRICS

China and Thailand will strengthen interaction in multilateral platforms including BRICS, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). This is stated in a joint statement of the two governments following the visit of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China. The document was published on the website of the kingdom's foreign ministry.

"China congratulated Thailand on becoming BRICS Partner, and Thailand looked forward to China’s active support for Thailand’s bid to join BRICS as a full member," the statement said.

In addition, the two sides agreed to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reaffirming their commitment to promoting an open and inclusive regional architecture.

In an interview with China Media Corporation (CMG), Paetongtarn Shinawatra noted that Beijing and Bangkok will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. She also spoke about the latest achievements in the joint high-speed railway project. This is reported by CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS.

"It will greatly facilitate trade among China, Thailand, and Laos. As a result, the connections between Thailand andChina at all levels will also become closer, and exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of our two countries will become more frequent. In the near future, I believe that people can take train for travel between the two countries more easily," Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

Earlier, the kingdom's head of government was in Beijing on a four-day visit. She attended the opening ceremony of the IX Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Photo: Xinhua News Agency