Visiting Chinese State Councilor Luo Gan and Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai agreed in Bangkok Wednesday that the two countries need to further strengthen cooperations against illicit drugs.

During their meeting, Chuan said that he believed that Luo's visit will push forward anti-drug cooperation between the two countries as well as among the international community.

Referring to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Sino-Thai anti-drug cooperation signed during Luo's visit, Chuan said, "I am very pleased with it, which is a new achievement of our joint efforts to curb illegal drugs."

He also expressed his thanks to Chinese premier Zhu Rongji for his "active support" to Sino-Thai anti-drug cooperation and the international anti-drug congress launched here today.

Luo, who gave a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting, described his visit as "fruitful", as the two sides have exchanged lots of good ideas, reached many common opinions and yielded concrete fruits on anti-drug cooperation.

"Thailand has carried out many positive anti-drug measures and made its contributions to the international efforts to curb illicit drugs," noted he.

Chuan also expressed Thailand's willingness to learn the Chinese anti-drug experiences, and wishes to keep close partnership between concerned government authorities in fighting drugs.

Luo, who arrived here Tuesday, has attended the international anti-drug meeting and held several talks with high-ranking Thai officials. He will continue his visit in Thailand until October 15.

(Xinhua 10/11/2000)