On April 23, 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting President of the Thai National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Somsak Kitasuranont in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Li thanked the Thai royal family and government for sending condolences in a timely fashion following the devastating earthquake which jolted Lushan in China's southwest Sichuan province. Li said the earthquake has caused serious casualties and property losses, and the Chinese government has been engaged in rescue and relief work and made utmost efforts to save lives, treat the wounded and settle the affected people so as to minimize losses caused by the disaster. "The relief work is proceeding in an efficient and orderly way, and the people all over the country have offered their support and showed their concerns in their various ways," Li said. He said the Chinese government has already started to plan the post-disaster reconstruction, expressing his appreciation of the international community for their sympathy and support for China's disaster relief and post-quake reconstruction. "With joint efforts from all sides, we are confident in relieving the disaster and rebuilding our homes," Li said.

He also hailed the sustained, in-depth development of China-Thailand relations, saying the ties have created a good example of good-neighborliness and cooperation between neighboring countries. He voiced his hope that the two nations can further their cooperation, deepen exchanges and seek common development at a higher level and in a wider sphere, so that Sino-Thai relations will remain at the forefront of China's relations with ASEAN countries. China supports the establishment of an ASEAN community and backs the leading role played by the ASEAN on East Asia affairs, Li told Somsak. Li noted China will work with Thailand to continue to boost the development of the China-ASEAN relations.

Somsak once again expressed concerns and sympathy over the casualties and losses caused by the earthquake in Lushan. He also spoke highly of the timely and effective response and rescue mission launched by the Chinese government, highlighting that Thailand is ready to join hands with China in translating friendly relations into pragmatic cooperation in various fields and strengthening the bilateral coordination on the regional and international issues so as to contribute to regional peace, stability and development.