On the afternoon of April 22, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin in Jakarta.

Thaksin first of all thanked the Chinese government and people for extending money and material assistance to Thailand after the outbreak of the earthquake and tsunami disaster, which fully demonstrated the profound friendship between the two peoples. He noted that Thailand and China are both close neighbors and relatives. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and he hoped to promote the constant development of bilateral ties during his upcoming visit to China in July. Thaksin said that the tourism facilities which were destroyed by the tsunamis in some parts of Thailand have been basically restored and the Chinese tourists are welcomed to those areas.

Hu said that China and Thailand are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. In recent years the bilateral relations have been progressing steadily and the bilateral high-level exchanges remain frequent. In particular, the decision of the two countries to conduct strategic cooperation in 2001 has played a leading role in promoting the establishment of strategic partnership between China and ASEAN. China and Thailand have conducted fruitful cooperation in economy and trade. In 2004 the bilateral trade volume stood at US$17.3 billion, an increase of 37%. Keeping such a growth rate, the bilateral trade volume will reach US$30 billion in the next few years. The two countries have also carried out sound coordination and collaboration in both international and regional affairs.

Hu stressed that China and Thailand enjoy both friendship and affection. We stand ready to work with Thailand to push forward the all-round friendly cooperation between the two countries at multi-levels and in various areas. We are fully confident of the promising prospect of China-Thailand friendship.

Hu also expressed congratulations on the positive results of the efforts in disaster relief and reconstruction of disaster-hit areas made by the Thai government and people, saying that China will continue to play an active part in the reconstruction of the disaster-hit areas and support strengthening the cooperation between the tourism authorities of the two countries.

Thaksin reiterated that the Thai government firmly pursues the one-China policy, saying that the Thai government supports anything beneficial to China's reunification, to which Hu expressed appreciation and gratitude.