BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday, expressing his satisfaction on the breakthrough of China-Thailand railway cooperation and urging substantial progress.

 

In their meeting in the Great Hall of the People, Xi recalled his meeting with Prayuth last month during the APEC meeting in Beijing, saying bilateral cooperation has made new progress during the month, especially the breakthrough on railway cooperation.

 

"I am satisfied with all this progress," Xi said.

 

China and Thailand signed two MoUs on railway cooperation and agricultural trade in Bangkok last Friday during Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang's visit.

 

The MoU on railway cooperation allows China to invest in two dual-track rail lines in Thailand that will span 734 km and 133 km, connecting northeast Thailand's Nong Khai province, Bangkok and eastern Rayong province.

 

The project is estimated to cost 10.6 billion U.S. dollars.

 

Xi said the frequent meetings and exchanges between leaders of the two countries showed that China and Thailand enjoyed "Jeen Thai Phee Nong Gan", the Thai phrase for close friendship.

 

Stressing the 40th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic ties in 2015, Xi called on both countries to hold corresponding celebrations to cement bilateral ties.

 

The two countries should continue to show mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests, Xi said, adding that China will continue to respect and support Thailand's efforts to realize political stability and economic development, as well as improve people's living.

 

Cooperation between China and Thailand always leads among ASEAN countries, Xi said, urging the two sides to earnestly push forward cooperation on areas including railway and agriculture so as to further promote regional connectivity.

 

He also called on both countries to expand cooperation on culture and people-to-people, education and science.

 

For his part, Prayuth said the agreement of railway cooperation with China is the best New Year gift to the Thai people.

 

He also thanked China for importing more Thai farm produce, saying it is conducive to promoting bilateral trade balance.

 

Prayuth said Thailand is in a period of reform and development and his country is willing to learn from China to develop better bilateral ties.

 

He also expressed willingness to participate China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative so as to deepen cooperation on areas including railway, telecommunication and tourism.

 

Prayuth arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to China.