BANGKOK, July 24 -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday that Thailand stands ready to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China under the Belt and Road framework.
Prayut made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He said Thailand-China relations have witnessed stable development and fruitful cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic ties.
Stressing that Thailand adheres to one-China policy, Prayut said Thailand would like to deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, thus contributing to the whole sub-regional development.
Thailand admires China's achievements and hopes to learn from its governance experience, Prayut said, calling for greater synergy between "Thailand 4.0" strategy and "Made in China 2025."
The Thai prime minister noted that Thailand supports Thailand-China railway and welcomes Chinese enterprises participating in the building of Thai Eastern Economic Corridor.
Prayut also expressed the willingness to continue strengthening coordination and collaboration with China under such frameworks as ASEAN-China, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Wang Yi, for his part, said China attaches great importance to China-Thailand friendship, appreciates Thailand's support for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to align China's development strategies with those of Thailand.
Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.
Calling for expanding bilateral cooperation and advancing the Thailand-China railway project, Wang said China would like to participate in the country's development and continuously tap into the potential of the bilateral relations.
The Chinese foreign minister also noted that China is willing to cement communication and coordination with Thailand in China-ASEAN cooperation and other regional and international affairs.
On Monday in Bangkok, Wang Yi also paid respects to late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace.
