On the afternoon of February 18, 2003, Premier Zhu Rongji held talks with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was on a working visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.

Zhu spoke highly of bilateral relations. Zhu said China and Thailand are friendly neighbors with a fraternal friendship. In recent years, bilateral cooperation in various fields has generated remarkable results, not only benefiting the two peoples but also contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity. We appreciate the efforts by Thaksin's government and would like to work with Thailand to maintain and develop the momentum of friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Zhu said that the Thai government under Thaksin's leadership has offered positive initiatives for regional cooperation in Asia and played an important role in promoting cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which China highly values.

Zhu said the start of setting up a China-ASEAN free trade area is profoundly significant, and China will stick to its commitment and take measures to to make it conducive to the economic development of ASEAN countries and common regional prosperity. He said that he hopes Thailand will continue to play a positive role in building the free trade area.

Thaksin expressed his appreciation for China's friendly policy toward Thailand and the precious contribution made by Chinese leaders in that regard. He said that the Thai government and people prize China's assistance to Thailand in various fields. He noted that Thailand highly values China's important role in promoting economic development in the region, and the farsightedness and sincerity of the Chinese government and people in setting up the free trade area. He reaffirmed that Thailand will resolutely further cooperate with China, strictly abide by the One China policy and support China in international and regional affairs.