Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, meets with Prinat Apirat, consul general of Thailand in Shanghai, on Feb 27. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, met with Prinat Apirat, consul general of Thailand in Shanghai, on Feb 27.

Zhang, on behalf of Nantong authorities, welcomed Apirat and her delegation, briefing them on the city's economic and social development.

She said that Nantong is well-located with strong transportation links, a solid industrial foundation, and unique resources, and that the city has been undergoing a developmental golden age in recent years.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, and she expressed hope that the visit would serve as a new starting point for both sides to strengthen economic and trade exchanges, enhance strategic cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging industries, marine industries, and more, as well as deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, healthcare, and visits among youths.

Apirat thanked Nantong authorities for their support in promoting economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. She noted that in recent years, there have been frequent interactions between Thailand and Nantong, with a solid foundation for cooperation and broad development prospects in various fields.

She also expressed hope that both sides would take advantage of this special anniversary to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, enhance exchanges and interactions in education, science, technology, tourism, and talent, and increase investment to deepen their friendship.