China, Thailand pledge closer cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Thai counterpart, Prayuth Chan-ocha, met in Italy Thursday and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure and agriculture.[Special coverage]

The two countries have kept healthy and stable growth of ties and their friendship has weathered the vicissitudes both on the world stage and inside Thailand's domestic arena, Li said in the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit.

The development of China-Thailand relations not only benefits both countries but also brings important opportunities for the development of the region and Asia at large, he said.

China, he added, hopes to work with Thailand to maintain high-level exchanges, implement the agreements the two countries have reached, expand people-to-people exchanges, and boost cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, agricultural products, trade and finance.

Calling the two countries friendly neighbors and close cooperation partners, Prayuth said he appreciates China's understanding of and support for his country.

Thailand hopes to learn from China's development experience, and join hands with China to promote bilateral cooperation projects in agricultural products and high-speed rail and expand cooperation in such areas as trade, infrastructure and inter-connectivity, he said.

It is the first meeting between Prayuth and Chinese leaders since he took office as Thai prime minister in August this year.

Italy is the last stop of Li's ongoing three-nation tour, which has taken him to Germany and Russia.