VIENTIANE, Oct10 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called for deeper cooperation between ASEAN and China.
Leaders from ASEAN member states and China convened for a high-level summit in Vientiane to assess the progress of their cooperation and chart its future course. The meeting, which included ASEAN Leaders or their representatives, the Chinese Premier, and the ASEAN Secretary-General, with Timor-Leste in attendance as an observer, centered on strengthening the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speaking at the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted three key areas of cooperation: economic integration and connectivity, people-to-people exchanges, and security cooperation.
On economic integration, the Thai Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties between ASEAN and China.
She expressed satisfaction with the progress made in 2023, which was designated as the ASEAN-China Year of Cooperation.
To further enhance people-to-people exchanges, Thailand will continue to implement visa exemption measures, increase flight frequencies, and expand scholarship opportunities.
Regarding security cooperation, the Thai prime minister called for intensified efforts to address transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
She welcomed China’s participation in ASEAN’s efforts to tackle environmental challenges, including transboundary haze and natural disasters.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to the five-point consensus to help Myanmar find a peaceful solution.
A key outcome of the summit was the adoption of a Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges.
The summit also provided a platform for leaders to discuss pressing regional and international issues of mutual concern. -819 (TNA)
