Senior officials of China and Thailand extend Lunar New Year wishes at a Bangkok ceremony

BANGKOK – Senior officials representing the governments of the People’s Republic of China and Thailand extended Lunar New Year’s greetings to people across China and Thailand at a special ceremony held on 18 February, 2015 at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok.

The Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China has also scheduled special cultural shows as part of the wishes for the New Year of the Goat for the people of Thailand.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sino-Thai diplomatic relations, and the 11th anniversary of cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Chinese Ministry of Culture. The China Cultural Centre, the first to be established by the Chinese government in Southeast Asia, and the largest such centre outside of China, also celebrates its second anniversary in 2015.

H.E. Xiang Zhaolun, China’s Deputy Minister of Culture said “The China Cultural Centre in Bangkok has received much attention and contribution, and has been providing a wide range of cultural exchange activities that have helped to create better understanding of the Chinese culture among the Thai people. These exchanges and cooperation would not be realised without the support and collaboration from the Royal Family of Thailand, government agencies, and friends and partners from other sectors, as well as the Thai people.”

“The establishment, development and growth of the Centre demonstrates the commitment between the governments of China and Thailand on cultural exchange efforts between the two nations, as well as reiterates the long-established bilateral relations. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Thai diplomatic relations, and I hope that the China Cultural Centre will take this opportunity in developing itself into the cultural home of Sino-Thai friendships that is always ready to welcome all Thai friends to visit as many times as they wish.”

H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “Over the last 40 years, since the establishment of the Sino-Thai diplomatic relations, we have seen flourishing relationships and ties between the people of the two nations on trade, investment and tourism. All of these have helped to enhance the socio-economic relations between the two countries, and I am confident that our partnerships will be further enhanced for many more years to come.”

Both H.E. Xiang and H.E. Kobkarn extended their Lunar New Year’s greetings, wishing the people of China and Thailand all the happiness and success.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia