On Oct 9th, CPAFFC and Royal Thai Embassy co-hosted a reception celebrating the 40 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand in Beijing. Madame Yan Junqi, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr. Shi Guangsheng, president of Chinese-Thai Friendship Association, Ms. Lin Yi, Vice-President of CPAFFC, Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Foreign Minister of Thailand, Mr. Theerakun Niyom, Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy to China, Mr. Korn Dabbaransi, President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association, and around 300 representatives from various circles of China and Thailand attended the reception.

President Shi Guangsheng said in his speech that Thailand is a trust-worthy good friend, partner and neighbour of China. The continuous enhancement and development of China-Thailand traditional friendship is conducive not only to the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also to the prosperity and stability of the region and the world at large. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Chinese people are willing to join hands with our friends in Thailand to further our cooperation and to enrich the content of China-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Relations. By doing so, we are able to make greater contributions to the regional peace, stability and development.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said in his speech that the relationship between Thailand and China is based on the founding principles of mutual respect, trust and non-interference in internal affairs, as well as an intimate ethnic - cultural connection just like family members between our two countries. Thailand and China have elevated our diplomatic relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” since 2012. Thailand is ready to tally its policy of connectivity with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, so as to broaden our cooperation beyond the bilateral sphere, and achieve Coordinated development in the framework of ASEAN concepts.

President Korn Dabbaransi reviewed the development of diplomatic relation between China and Thailand as well as the celebrations marking the anniversaries. He expressed his gratitude to CPAFFC for the invitation to him and his delegation and highly evaluated the friendly activities conducted by Associations of two countries on people-to-people channel.

During the celebration dinner, Vice Chairperson Yan Junqi and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai signed on the First Day Cover marking the 40 anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations. A brief meeting between Vice Chairperson Yan Junqi and Thai delegation was held before the celebration dinner.