BANGKOK, Nov 22 — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej who said Mr Wen’s visit to Thailand is important in deepening bilateral ties.
The Chinese premier paid a courtesy call on the 84-year-old King, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, at Siriraj Hospital where he has been staying for nourishment to regain his strength since September 2009 when he was admitted with fever, fatigue and a lung inflammation.
During the meeting, HM the King said Mr Wen’s visit to Thailand is a significant milestone in deepening bilateral ties. He expressed the hope that the two sides could step up cooperation in trade, agriculture, technology, water conservancy and railway, and promote people-to-people exchanges.
As for the technological cooperation, particularly the building of the planned high speed train line, HM the King said that the suitability of the location and environment should be taken to consideration as the most important factor was not the greatest speed of the train but the safety of the railway services.
Having no accidents would be the real benefit to the public, he added.
China’s Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese premier as saying that the comprehensive strategic partnership for cooperation between the two countries is set to move forward and benefit the two peoples with the Thai royal family’s support.
He added that HM the king and the royal family have made indispensable contributions to promoting friendship between the two nations.
Mr Wen earlier paid a courtesy call on Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council, Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila and Gen Surayud Chulanont, Privy Councilors.
