Han Jingyi in his address stressed that China and Thailand are friendly neighbors with a long history. Thai Prime Minister (PM) General Prayuth Chan-o-cha traveled to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries during the Xiamen BRICS Summit in September. In October, Thai deputy PM Prajin Juntong paid a visit to Xiamen to attend the Sixth Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Seminar. Their visits to Xiamen set out the direction and laid solid foundation for relations between China and Thailand, Han said.
Han Jingyi, deputy mayor of Xiamen delivers a speech at a ceremony held by the Thai Consulate General in Xiamen to mark its National Day on Dec 4. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]
Xiamen has maintained a friendly relationship with Thailand for quite a long time and the two sides have conducted close exchanges and cooperation in sectors such as culture, tourism, and trade, according to Han. By hosting cultural festivals, and economic and trade seminars, Xiamen and Thailand established new development opportunities in new circumstances and agreed to conduct pragmatic cooperation, Han said.
In May, Xiamen has established international sister city ties with Phuket Province in Thailand, which helped raise the level of exchanges between the two sides to a new height, Han said.
Xiamen is stepping up its industrial upgrade and transformation, and creating world-leading business environment. Xiamen is willing to explore new development opportunities with Thailand and strengthen the cooperation and exchanges with Thailand, according to Han.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
