His Excellency Mr. Chen Xiaodong, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China,

　　His Excellency Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre, Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States to China,

　　Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Good evening,

 

　　I am honoured to be invited to make some remarks on the occasion of the 8th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) today. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our congratulations to the ACC for another year of success in the midst of nation-wide celebration on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The achievement of China’s development in the past 7 decades has been witnessed by ASEAN and the rest of the world.

   

　　Since its inception in 2011, the ACC has played active role as an important mechanism that helps translate the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership into effective practice for mutual benefits and the promotion of peace, stability, prosperity and development in the region. The implementation of 23 flagship projects and more than 100 activities are good example of constructive role of the ACC in its effort to raise awareness of ASEAN among the Chinese and vice versa through practical cooperation in wide areas. As the intergovernmental organization cosponsored by 10 ASEAN Member States and China, the ACC has continued to serve as an important supporting pillar to forge a higher level of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership and build closer ties and mutual understanding among ASEAN-China people.

 

　　Ladies and gentlemen, 

　　This year, Thailand is honoured to assume ASEAN’s Chairmanship. We have successfully integrated our “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” to all dimensions of cooperation for the benefit of building a people-centred ASEAN Community that leaves no one behind and looks to the future. We are pleased to see that China has always supported ASEAN to achieve its goal and maintain ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture.

 

　　At the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit on 3 November 2019 in Bangkok, ASEAN-China’s shared commitment and cooperation under the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 were strongly reaffirmed. The Joint Statement on Synergising the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative would surely strengthen physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity among ASEAN and China and beyond. The Leaders also adopted the Statement on Smart City Cooperation Initiative which would lay groundwork for building partnership between ASEAN-China cities network based on innovation-driven development. In addition, the designation of 2020 as the ASEAN-China Year of Digital Economy Cooperation will provide an opportunity for both sides to expand cooperation to achieve innovation-driven development for the upcoming 4th Industrial Revolution.

 

　　Lastly, I am certain that the ACC will continue to play vital role in accordance with its vision and commitments for win-win benefits of ASEAN and China. While looking forward to successful cooperation, the Royal Thai Embassy and the ASEAN Embassies in Beijing stand ready to render our strong support to the ACC in its endeavours in the years to come.

　　Thank you very much!