On 16 May 2016, H.E. Mr. Zhang Bairu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Yunnan Provincial People's Congress of the People’s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Singtong Lapisatepun, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, during his visit to Thailand between 14 – 18 May 2016. The visit aims to promote close cooperation between Thailand (Northern Region) and Yunnan Province, cooperation between the Yunnan’s legislative body and the National Legislative Assembly, and aims to invite relevant Thai agencies and the Thai private sector to attend the 4th China – South Asia Exposition and the 24th China Kunming Import and Export Commodities, to be held on 12-17 June 2016 in Kunming.

          During the meeting, the Director-General extended a warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Zhang and his delegation, emphasizing that Thailand views Yunnan as strategically  important,  as Yunnan and Thailand can serve as each other’s “gateway” to southern and western China and Southeast Asia respectively. Both sides exchanged views on the way forward to enhance overall relations between Thailand and Yunnan, strengthen cooperation on trade, investment and people-to-people linkages through education, culture and tourism. Both sides also explored the possibility of convening the 6th Working Group Meeting between Thailand (Northern Region) and Yunnan Province, to be hosted by Thailand, in an appropriate timing this year.

          H.E. Mr. Zhang also met with Mrs. Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Legislative Assembly. The delegation also met with a representative of the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, before going to Chiang Rai to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of the province on 17 May 2016. H.E. Mr. Zhang’s visit to Thailand is part of his week-long visit to other countries in the region as well, including Nepal and Cambodia.