Thai envoy pledges on Mekong safety

Updated: 2011-12-23 08:28

(China Daily)

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BEIJING - Thailand will spare no efforts in providing security along the Mekong River, a senior Thai diplomat said on Thursday as Vice-President Xi Jinping arrived in Bangkok to kick off his three-day visit to the country.

"Thailand will play its part in delivering concrete benefits to the people that live along the Mekong River," Warawudh Chuwiruch, charge d'affaires of the Thai embassy in Beijing told China Daily.

During Xi's visit, both sides will discuss how to further enhance and consolidate the gains made in bilateral ties, and exchange views on issues of common concern at regional and international levels.

The discussion topics will include the "overall trajectory" of the bilateral relationship, including politics, defense, security, trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchange, he said.

On the issue of security on the Mekong River - a serious concern in both countries following the killing of 13 Chinese sailors in the Thai section of the river on Oct 5 - Warawudh said Thailand has sent three deputy prime ministers to China to inform the Chinese side of the latest developments and give assurances that the Thai side will accelerate the investigation and bring the people responsible for the killings to justice.

Joint patrols by police from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand started on Dec 10 to maintain security on the Mekong River.

Warawudh also said the two governments will sign several documents on cooperation in the areas of justice administration, cultural exchange, flood-relief assistance, and economic and financial ties. At least six other documents will also be inked between Thai and Chinese companies.