Your current location:HOME >politics >China, Thailand sign visa exemption pact 正文
TIME:2024-05-22 10:20:08 Source: Internet compilationEdit:politics
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports an
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs on Sunday. The policy, which will come into effect on March 1, is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The agreement was a major outcome during the first meeting of consultation mechanism between the ministers of foreign affairs of Thailand and China, which was held in Bangkok.
At a news conference in the Thai capital, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said: "It's important that peoples from the two countries have forged closer friendships and stronger bonds, and are now embracing a better life."
There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, Wang said. "We also welcome friends from Thailand to feel the vitality and vibrancy of China and the hospitality of the Chinese people."
At the news conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said the visa-free agreement is a symbol of long-lasting Sino-Thai friendship, trust and confidence, which is evidenced at every level.
"The meeting is a significant step in our cooperation, held at the level of foreign ministers of both countries, and we have agreed to alternately host at least once every year," he said. "I am certain that travel between our two peoples, whether for tourism or business, will become more convenient, and help to stimulate the tourism industry in both countries."
As next year will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, Wang said China highly commends China-Thailand friendship and mutual trust. The bilateral relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of the changing international landscape and grown from strength to strength over the past half a century, he said.
"China always sees Thailand as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and supports Thailand in following a development path that suits its national conditions," Wang stressed.
He also noted that China appreciates Thailand's firm commitment to the one-China principle and its active support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.
"China is ready to work with Thailand to jointly deepen the building of a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future, and provide more stability and certainty to a changing and turbulent world," Wang said.
To strengthen the cooperation with China, Parnpree said Thailand is committed to promoting trade, investment, security and cooperation on culture and tourism, to facilitating connectivity, people-to-people relations, and to advancing cooperation at various multilateral and regional forums.
During the meeting on Sunday, both sides also agreed to speed up development of the China-Thailand Railway, fully implement the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook, and open the central line of the Trans-Asian Railway as soon as possible.
The two countries signed agreements on the export of poultry meat and podocarpus plants to China. Podocarpus is a versatile, low-maintenance plant for landscaping.
China will import more specialty agricultural products from Thailand, support more Chinese companies in investing and growing in Thailand, and foster new drivers of cooperation in new energy vehicles, digital economy and green development.
During the meeting, the two ministers also exchanged views on current key regional and international situations, including the situation in Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East.
Mariachis. A flame2024-05-22 10:05
Thailand welcomes 1st Chinese tour groups in 3 years2024-05-22 09:48
Over 100 black2024-05-22 08:53
Xi Calls on National Art Museum of China to Build Worldwide Prestige2024-05-22 08:38
What to expect in the California 20th District special election2024-05-22 08:38
Xiplomacy: How Close People2024-05-22 08:31
Xi Meets Russian PM2024-05-22 08:24
Aquatic products harvested in Xiapu County, SE China's Fujian2024-05-22 08:12
Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough fights Graceland estate auction2024-05-22 08:04
Xiplomacy: How Close People2024-05-22 07:46
Tigers starter Olson leaves game against Royals after being struck by line drive2024-05-22 09:58
In pics: Harbin, wetland paradise in NE China2024-05-22 09:37
Xi Stresses Accelerated Efforts to Build Leading Country in Education2024-05-22 09:36
Intl beer festival to open in Qingdao WCNA2024-05-22 08:59
No more cute snaps of Mt Fuji. A screen is up in a Japanese town to prevent tourist crowds2024-05-22 08:40
Local flavor adds spice to tourism2024-05-22 08:19
Tulips make rural economy flourish in E China's village2024-05-22 08:07
Tourism market shows summer recovery signs2024-05-22 08:01
French Olympic fencer Thibus says she has been cleared of any wrongdoing after abnormal doping test2024-05-22 08:00
China sees holiday trips rise 70% to 274 million2024-05-22 07:43