Li calls for closer railway co-op, cultural exchanges

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday proposed to strengthen practical cooperation on railway projects and enhance cultural exchanges with Thailand. [Special coverage]

Addressing the Thai parliament here, Li said cooperation on railway projects could become a highlight in China-Thailand cooperation, as China has advanced capacities of building high-speed railways and rich management experience in this area.

It would facilitate logistics and boost economic development for Thailand to promote infrastructure construction such as railways, the Chinese premier said, adding that the two countries have huge potential in cooperation on railway construction.

During his stay in Thailand, Li, accompanied by his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra, will attend an exhibition on China's high-speed railways, hoping to conduct practical cooperation with Thailand at an earlier date.

Moreover, the two countries would vigorously carry out cooperation on electricity, power grid, and renewable energy, and push forward water conservancy construction projects, the Chinese premier said.

On cultural exchanges, he said China is ready to hold talks with Thailand over visa exemption for regular passport holders.

Thailand is the first country within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to start such talks with China, and the talks will facilitate the people-to-people exchanges of the two countries, Li said.

The Chinese premier called on both sides to give full play to the Confucius Institute and facilitate the establishment of Thailand's cultural centers in China.

China would also help Thailand to improve its professional education by the joint running of schools and short-term training, Li said, adding that both sides would promote practical cooperation in such areas as technology, maritime affairs, and environmental protection.

Li arrived here earlier in the day for an official visit to Thailand, the second leg of his maiden trip to Southeast Asia since he took office in March.

Before that, he has just wrapped up a tightly-scheduled visit to Brunei, where he also attended a series of meetings with East Asian leaders.