Xi urges implementation of China-Thailand cooperation plans

BEIJING, Nov. 9 -- China and Thailand should ensure the implementation of their consensus on cooperation in railway, water resources, energy and education to consolidate bilateral ties, President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Sunday.

Meanwhile, China will encourage its businesses to invest in Thailand, Xi told Prayut, who is in Beijing for the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting slated for Nov. 10-11.

Xi stressed that China appreciates Thailand's constructive role in deepening the cooperation between China and the ASEAN and will work with Thailand to promote the peace and prosperity in Asia.

Thailand has maintained stability and carried out reforms as planned under the new Thai government led by Prayut, Xi said, adding that China would like to see lasting stability in Thailand and happiness of Thai people.

Prayut told Xi that Thailand will cooperate with China in agriculture and railway development, under the framework of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiatives.

Thailand would like to expand farm produce export to China and improve regional connectivity, he said.

Thailand has taken an active part in newly-launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and appreciated China's decision to set up the Silk Road Fund, he said.

Thailand will continue to promote the cooperation between China and the ASEAN and support China to hold a successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, he added.