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China expects progress in China-Thailand railway

Xinhua, December 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

China pledged on Monday to work with Thailand on the joint railway project for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

Premier Li Keqiang made the remarks when met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan of Thailand.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who was here to attend the 5th China-Thailand Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation Meeting held on Friday in Beijing, was also present at the meeting on Monday.

Li said he and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha reached consensus on the railway earlier this year.

The memorandum signed on Friday made clear arrangements for the next step on the basis of the current cooperation framework, said Li.

Prawit told Li he is visiting to inform China about recent developments on behalf of Prayuth.

He said Thailand is ready to work with China on major connectivity projects including the railway and strengthen cooperation on tourism, internet, agriculture and law enforcement.

Thailand and China signed documents on the development of Thailand's transportation infrastructure in 2014.

On the regional cooperation, Li said it is the consensus of all sides to enhance the economic integration of the East Asia, especially to agree upon the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at an early date.

It is in line with all parties' interests, conducive to showing the willingness of countries in the region to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, he said.

China supports the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in playing a core role in the regional cooperation and would like to enhance communication and contacts with parties including Thailand on the negotiation of RCEP under the framework of China-ASEAN ties and East Asia cooperation, Li said.

Prawit said the RCEP is an important proposal that will benefit Asia.

As an ASEAN member, Thailand will play an active role in the RCEP negotiation process. Endi