Politics
22:03, 21-Dec-2017
Chinese Premier congratulates start of China-Thailand railway project
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message on the launch of the construction of the first phase of the China-Thailand railway project on Thursday.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attended the opening ceremony of the project held Thursday in Kele, northern Thailand.
The China-Thailand railway project is a flagship project of bilateral cooperation in both the Belt and Road Initiative and production capacity, which reflects the spirit of wide consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, Li said in the message.
It is a win-win project, and will effectively enhance the infrastructure construction and inter-connectivity in Thailand and the region, facilitate the sustainable development of Thailand, drive the development and prosperity in the region, and improve the people's livelihood, Li said.
The Chinese premier hoped the two sides would continue to keep close cooperation, complete the first phase of the China-Thailand railway to a high standard, steadily push ahead the related work about the second phase of the project, and strive to realize the interconnection of the China-Thailand railway and the China-Laos railway.
A high-speed train runs through northwest China. The planned Thailand-China rail project will provide a gateway into Southeast Asia. /Xinhua Photo
A high-speed train runs through northwest China. The planned Thailand-China rail project will provide a gateway into Southeast Asia. /Xinhua Photo
That will facilitate trade and the travel of people in the countries along the railway, and achieve a win-win situation, he added.
Li also noted that China attaches great importance to the development of the friendly relations between China and Thailand.
China is willing to work together with Thailand to strengthen their respective development strategies, and constantly advance pragmatic win-win cooperation between the two countries with the railway cooperation project and to further promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two counties, he said.
The planned China-Thai railway stretches 867 km, from Nong Khai on the Thai-Lao border to Rayong in eastern Thailand. The initial phase, 252 km long, runs between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The railway is planned to connect with China-Lao railway from Vientiane to Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan Province, and to extend through the south, via Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, and finally ending in Singapore.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency