China opens new consulate general in NE Thailand

China officially opened a new consulate general in Khon Kaen in northeastern Thailand on Tuesday.

The jurisdiction of the new consulate general, which was established under an agreement between the two countries this April, covers 20 northeastern provinces of Thailand, which account for one third of the country's territory and population.

It is the third Chinese consulate general in the country following those in Chiang Mai in the north and in Songkla in the south.

The new consulate general will further enhance the exchange and cooperation between China and Thailand's northeastern provinces and inject vitality into the bilateral relations, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng during the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking highly of the fruitful bilateral cooperation, Xie said the new consulate general is committed to providing high-quality and convenient services for the Chinese and Thai citizens under its jurisdiction and sparing no effort in facilitating the communication and promoting the friendship between the two peoples.

Nuttawudh Photisaro, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thai Foreign Ministry said in his congratulatory remarks that the consulate's opening shows that China has attached great importance to its relations with Thailand and the Thai side will provide assistance to the work of the new consulate.

Located at the heart of the northeastern region, Khon Kaen is the regional center for finance, commerce, education and transportation. It was recognized as the "City of Charm" at the China-ASEAN Expo last year.