Around noontime, April 11, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council had an emergency phone conversation with his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva at the request of the Thai government in Pattaya, Thailand.

Prime Minister Abhisit said the Thai government, after thorough considerations, decided to postpone the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) related summits scheduled to open on the morning April 11 in view of Thailand's domestic situation, and will resume the summits at proper time in the future. "I hereby extend our profound apology to Premier Wen. China is holding the rotating presidency of the cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (CJK). I also extend our profound apology to the leaders of the three countries."

Premier Wen said that China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) understand the Thai government's decision and hope Thailand will maintain political stability, social harmony and economic growth. The three countries will take an active part in the summits once they resume in due time.

Premier Wen stressed that China attaches great importance to the relations with ASEAN and will, as always, strive to strengthen the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN and support the ASEAN integration process. At present, the top priority of China-ASEAN cooperation is to jointly tackle the challenges of the financial crisis, maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth, and overcome the current difficulties. China's policies and measures on furthering bilateral exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN in various fields and promoting cooperation in East Asia will not be affected by the delay of the summits.

Prime Minister Abhisit thanked China for showing understanding to the current situation in Thailand and attaching importance to the friendly ties with Thailand and ASEAN. He reiterated that Thailand is willing to further enhance the relationship with China and play a positive role in promoting the friendly cooperation with China and the friendly cooperation among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.