Xi Jinping arrives for Apec Summit in first visit to Thailand as China’s president
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Thailand on Thursday afternoon for the Apec Summit to be held on Friday and Saturday.
He and his wife Peng Liyuan were welcomed upon their arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn, as well as other Thai Cabinet members.
Xi will join other leaders from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation who convene for their annual meeting this year at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre amidst tight security.
This is Xi’s first official visit to Thailand as China’s president. Xi had previously visited the kingdom as China’s vice president in December 2011.
The Chinese leader is scheduled to meet PM Prayut to discuss a range of topics at Government House after the summit wraps up, according to the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Among the topics on their meeting agenda is closer bilateral economic ties on the 10th anniversary of the two countries’ strategic partnership this year. Both nations also plan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.
The two leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation between Thailand and China, particularly in industries with high potential, such as electric vehicle manufacturing.
Both countries have agreed to promote more air travel and recovery of high-quality tourism, in addition to education, culture, media and information. Also, Thailand and China will cooperate in the suppression of transnational crimes, drug smuggling, online gambling, and fake call-centre scams.
