On October 31, 2006, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Nanning with Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Commemorative Summit marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of Dialogue Relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand is China's friendly neighbor and important cooperation partner, said Wen. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the relationship with Thailand, and is ready to push for China-Thailand friendly ties in a bid to bring benefits to both peoples and promote peace and stability of this region.

In order to facilitate the comprehensive bilateral cooperation and deepen the traditional friendship with Thailand, China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges, draft an action plan on strategic cooperation, and ensure that more substantial results come out of the cooperation, said Wen. He also urged the two sides to ink an agreement on educational cooperation and further expand cultural and tourism cooperation. Surayud said bilateral friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of people and both sides have conducted close exchanges, adding that the Thai people regard China as a sincere friend. The Thai government will unswervingly adhere to the friendly policy toward China and deepen strategic cooperation, Surayud said. He hoped that the potentials of economic and trade cooperation can be further tapped and transport links between Thailand and China could be strengthened so as to create a better condition for bilateral trade and personnel contacts.