Thailand's joint rail project with China to start soon

BEIJING, Oct 10 (TNA) -- A joint railway project between China and Thailand is set to begin in Thailand soon as the foundation stone laying ceremony is expected to be held later this year, according to Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai. The agreement was made during talks between visiting Thai Foreign Affairs Minister and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday. Their discussions were focused on bilateral relations and on how to develop rail lines in Thailand and eventually they agreed that the foundation stone laying ceremony of the rail lines would be held later this year. Last December, Thailand and China signed an agreement on cooperation in Thailand's railway sector, under which China will help construct a pair of rail lines connecting northeast Thailand with the eastern port city of Rayong and the central province of Saraburi north of Bangkok. Mr Don, who is paying his first official visit to China after being appointed foreign affairs minister in August, also discussed with Mr Wang on developing Mekong River aimed at improving the livelihood of people living along the river. Mr Don also requested the Chinese government to help solve drought problem in Thailand which has become deteriorated. He later paid a courtesy call on Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in which they discussed warm relations between China and Thailand and pledged to strengthen them. Mr Don is paying official visit to Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-China diplomatic relations. (TNA)