China and Thailand on Monday signed two agreements to promote bilateral strategic cooperation.

The Joint Action Plan on China-Thailand Strategic Cooperation and the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Academic Degrees in Higher Education were signed after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Wen said the action plan would set detailed goals for future cooperation and have a positive effect on China's relations with other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Surayud said the agreements showed the common will of the two countries to enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, which was in the interests of the two peoples.

Wen also suggested the promotion of bilateral ties from five aspects: maintaining high-level visits, especially timely communication on major bilateral and international issues; enhancing trade relations; expanding cooperation in education, culture and disease prevention; promoting relations between border cities; and strengthening cooperation in defense and fighting drugs.

He said the Chinese government hoped the two countries could make further efforts in the five aspects.

Surayud agreed with Wen on his proposals, saying Thailand would strengthen exchanges and expand cooperation, including technology, transportation and shipping.

He encouraged Chinese companies to join in the construction of roads, railways and industrial zones in Thailand.

Surayud said Thailand would actively participate in the World Expo in Shanghai 2010.

The two sides also discussed cooperation on regional issues.

Wen said China supported the ASEAN plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (10+3) as the major channel to promote the east Asia cooperation, and supported the second joint statement on east Asia cooperation in the upcoming summit meeting at the end of this year.

He said China would work with other nations to promote a sound development of regional organizations, such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the ASEAN Regional Forum, so as to contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

Surayud arrived here on Monday on a two-day official visit as the guest of Wen.

This is his first visit to China since being appointed prime minister in October 2006.

Surayud will also visit a temple and Olympic Games facilities in Beijing and tour Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

(Source: www.mofcom.gov.cn)