Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Thursday that China is willing to promote peace, stability and development in Asia together with the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  

He made the remark while meeting with senate speaker Manoonkrit Roopkachorn of the National Assembly of Thailand and his delegation.

China and Thailand have been maintaining friendly cooperation for a long period of time, Tang said. Frequent high-level visits have enhanced mutual friendship and cooperation, and economic, trade and cultural exchanges have become more active in the past year.

Roopkachorn said the visit enabled him and his delegation to have a better understanding of China. The Thai National Assembly is willing to contribute more to bilateral cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2003)