Thai PM meets Chinese military leader on ties

BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra met with Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission in Bangkok on Wednesday. The two sides agreed to further strengthen military relations.

Noting that Thailand and China have established friendly cooperative relations by treating each other with trust and sincerity, Yingluck said the armed forces of the two countries have also made substantial achievements in their cooperation in various fields through frequent high-level visits and continuous friendly exchanges.

The Thai government and military highly value their relations with the Chinese side and are willing to increase bilateral exchanges and cooperation, she said.

They have expressed appreciation over the active roles China has been playing in international and regional issues, added the prime minister.

On his part, Fan hailed the long-standing neighborly friendship between China and Thailand, which is boosted by their geographical proximity, cultural similarities and close kinship.

He said the armed forces of the two countries have conducted a broad range of cooperation over the recent years and made remarkable achievements.

"China is willing to join hands with Thailand to deepen the friendly cooperation between their military forces and contribute to regional peace and prosperity," he said.

Fan is on his first foreign trip after taking up the post in March, which also took him to Kazakhstan and Myanmar. During his one-day visit to Thailand, he also met with Thai Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Deputy Defense Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.