The First Thailand-China Strategic Dialogue was held in Bangkok on 19th August 2013. The Meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the progress and the dynamism made in areas as high-level visits, trade and investment, tourism, culture and education since the adoption of the Joint Action Plan on Thailand-China Strategic Cooperation (2012-2016). Both sides agreed to maintain the momentum and, as for next steps, to deepen cooperation on high speed train, water resources management, green, renewable and alternative energy as well as education and human resource development as priority under the MOU on Cooperation on Sustainable Development. Both sides shared the view that the 3rd Meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation should be convened soon to discuss ways to further promote trade and investment in order to achieve the bilateral trade target of 100 billion USD by 2015 set by the leaders of the two countries. Both sides also agreed to fully implement the MOU on Agricultural Trade Cooperation and facilitation trade in agricultural products and RMB should play a greater role in the business transactions between China and Thailand.

Both sides reviewed the decade-long China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and agreed that it has stood as a pillar of regional peace, stability and prosperity. Both sides welcomed the successful convening of High-Level Forum on 10th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership on 2 August 2013 in Bangkok, and will pursue their communication and cooperation for the successful convening of the Special China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing on 29 August 2013 and prepare for the 16th China-ASEAN Summit in October 2013 in Brunei. Both sides looked forward to the convening of the upcoming 6th China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting and the 9th Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in China in mid-September 2013.

Both sides agreed that the 2nd China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue will be held at a mutually convenient date in China.