Thailand and China share four common aims concerning the situation of Ukraine after their consultation in Huangshan in Anhui, China, over the weekend, according to an informed source.
The source said that, during the discussion between Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the situation in Ukraine, they agreed on four common aims, namely to support the continued Russia-Ukraine peace talks and agreement, prevent large-scale humanitarian crises and provide humanitarian assistance in a timely manner, the curbing of the negative spill-over effects and sustaining global economic recovery and, finally, the safeguarding of hard-won peaceful development in the region and the world.
These common aims were first defined by President Xi Jinping, during his summit with EU leaders last week.
Don’s visit to Anhui came at a time when both the regional and global situations are tense.
Both Thailand and China exchanged views on regional issues, including the Myanmar crisis.
At the same venue, Wang Yi also held separate bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The Thai-Chinese meeting was originally planned in early December last year.
The source said that this trip was, however, focused on the revitalisation of Thai-Chinese relations and the promotion of trade and investment in both countries. At the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Thai private sector, Don urged China to facilitate the imports of Thai agricultural products and fruits.
The source said that Wang Yi has instructed relevant agencies to look into the matter and promised to improve overall access for Thai fruits to China. Various ways and means were discussed, including having Chinese officials in Thailand inspect fruit before it is packaged and sent to China. Thai fruits are popular in China.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, China imposed stringent measures against COVID-19, which have obstructed the so-called “seamless” flow of Thai fruit into China.
Vietnam, the Lao PDR and other neighbouring countries also suffered the same problem.
Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Sanan Angubolkul stressed that April and May are the main months for Thai fruit and quick access to the Chinese markets will help boost the Thai economy. Durians, mangos and coconuts are some of the favourite Thai fruits in China.
He said that Anhui is considered one of the four centres for science and technology, so closer cooperation between the Thai private sector and their Chinese counterparts in Anhui would promote technological transfer and cooperation with Thailand. Anhui has recently established a sister city with Ayutthaya.
By Thai PBS World’s Foreign Desk
