--Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, at the National Assembly of Thailand

Bangkok, 11 October 2013

Your Excellency Somsak Kiatsuranont, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Your Excellency Nikom Wairatpanij, Vice President of the National Assembly and President of the Senate,

Honorable Members of the National Assembly,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

It gives me pleasure to meet you here in the National Assembly. I visited Thailand 30 years ago when I was in charge of youth affairs. The impression left on me by this “land of smiles” was wonderful and lasting. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend to you, the representatives of the 64 million Thai people, and through you to all the people of Thailand, sincere greetings and best wishes.

Thailand is an ancient, beautiful and richly endowed country full of dynamism. The world-renowned Grand Palace, magnificent Buddhist pagodas and splendid ethnic art all speak volumes about Thailand’s profound culture and unique charm. Over the centuries, the Thai people have created miracles on this land with their hard work and wisdom. Back some 20 years ago, Thailand earned the title as being one of the “Four Asian Tigers” and a frontrunner in economic growth among Southeast Asian countries. In the past few years, Thailand has overcome such challenges as the Asian financial crisis, the Indian Ocean tsunami, devastating floods and the international financial crisis, and has scored remarkable achievements in building the country and strengthening the nation. I am convinced that a glorious future is ahead of Thailand.

China and Thailand have a long history of friendly exchanges. The two countries are geographically close. There is also a strong bond that links our two peoples and cultures. In 1975, China and Thailand officially established diplomatic relations, which ushered in a new era of friendly relations between the two countries. Over the past 38 years, regardless of the changes at home and in the world, our bilateral relations have maintained sound momentum of growth, bringing tangible benefits to our people.

As a Chinese saying goes, “You reap melons if you plant melon seeds, and beans if you sow bean seeds.” I understand there is a similar saying in Thailand: “you reap what you sow.” We are heartened to see that China and Thailand have deepened political mutual trust, strengthened economic and trade ties and increased people-to-people exchanges. In 2012, two-way trade approached US$70 billion, an eight-fold increase in a span of a decade. China has become Thailand’s top export market and biggest source of tourists. Thailand is China’s main trading partner in ASEAN, main source of agricultural imports and biggest source of natural rubber imports. Among ASEAN members, Thailand was the first to sign a joint statement with China on the plan of cooperation in the 21st century, the first to pursue strategic cooperation with China, the first to achieve zero-tariff arrangement with China for vegetables and fruits, the first to set up a China culture center, and the first to establish a mechanism for defense and security consultations and to conduct joint military exercises and training with China. Thailand will soon become the country that has the largest number of consulates in China. It is not commonplace for so many “firsts” to be achieved in any bilateral relationship, which underscores the fact that China-Thailand relations stand out as an example of friendly cooperation between countries with different social systems.

Talking of China-Thailand relations, people in both countries know about “Jeen Thai Phee Nong Gan” (China and Thailand are brothers). This belief, which has taken deep roots in the hearts of our people, is a true reflection of the profound friendship between our two countries. China and Thailand conduct frequent exchanges at various levels on an ever larger scale. We enjoy regular high-level exchanges. Most Chinese leaders, both past and present, have been to Thailand, while members of the Thai royal family and successive Thai government, parliament and military leaders have visited China many times. The Chinese and Thai peoples have close exchanges like relatives. Mutual visits approached three million last year. For Chinese tourists, Thailand tops their most popular overseas destinations. The movie Lost in Thailand produced by Chinese artists has set last year’s box-office record in China and sent a new wave of Chinese tourists to this country. Thailand’s delicious cuisine, intriguing TV series and growing sporting prowess have all left a deep impression on the Chinese people. In recent years, in cases of emergencies and natural disasters, China and Thailand have always stood together and helped each other. We have forged a deep friendship. Thai fishermen in a remote fishing village who once received Chinese assistance during the tsunami could never forget the help they got from the Chinese people. When they heard about the earthquake in Wenchuan, they acted immediately to raise donations for people in disaster-stricken areas, showing their love and support. This touching story is nothing but a true example of the reciprocal friendship between China and Thailand.