China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in Thailand, the first leg of his six-day ASEAN trip which will also take him to Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.

During his stay in Thailand, on May 1, he met with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Sinawatra, who affirmed that Bangkok is willing to deepen comprehensive cooperation with Beijing by increasing political communication and maintaining the momentum of strong growth in bilateral trade.

She noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between China and ASEAN. Thailand, as the coordinator of China-ASEAN relations, will continue to foster bilateral cooperation in various fields, she added.

For his part, Wang confirmed that China’s new leadership, which took office in March, will continue consolidating its traditional friendship with Thailand and transform the two countries’ political ties into a strong driving force to boost mutually beneficiary cooperation.

He suggested China and Thailand expand cooperation in such areas as water management, railway, new energy, education, science, defence and tourism.

The Chinese FM expressed his hope that the two nations will cooperate more closely in addressing regional and international issues.

During his two-day visit from April 30, Wang also held talks with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Suraporn Tovichakchaikul and met with Thai Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda and former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.-VNA