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On 11 February 2008, Mr. Zhang Jiuhuan, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Noppadon Pattama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the latter’s assumption of office.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed his congratulations to the Foreign Minister and delivered the congratulatory message from the Chinese Foreign Minister. The Foreign Minister thanked the Ambassador and reiterated that China has always been Thailand’s close friend and it was a fortunate coincidence that on 7 February 2008, the day in which the Foreign Minister swore in to assume the post, was also the Chinese New Year’s day.  Both sides shared intention to further strengthen the close and cordial relations between the two countries which have been lasted for a long time in all aspects.

The Foreign Minister also expressed his deep concern for the Chinese people who have been affected by the snow storms during the past one month for which Chinese Ambassador responded with great appreciation.

Furthermore, the Chinese Ambassador expressed his thanks to the Royal Thai Government for its support of China particularly on the Taiwan Strait issue which Thailand has stood by China with regard to its “One China Policy.”  Thailand’s particular position resulted in the Foreign Ministry’s announcements on 3 August 2007 and 3 January 2008 which was in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971).

The Ambassador took this opportunity to convey the Chinese Foreign Minister’s invitation to Foreign Minister Noppadon to visit China. In return, the Thai Foreign Minister asked the Ambassador to convey his invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Thailand in an appropriate time as well.