BANGKOK - China and Thailand pledged Tuesday that they will strengthen cooperation on scientific innovation and people-to-people exchanges.

In a joint press statement released during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's official visit to the Southeast Asian country, the two sides agreed that cooperation on innovation is a highlight in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.

The two sides vowed to push forward projects on communications technology, open innovation centers, high-tech industrial parks and technology transfer centers, and strengthen cooperation in digital economy, smart cities and other fields. They agreed to jointly build a Digital Silk Road.

They also agreed to further expand cooperation in science, technology and innovation through joint research and development programs, researcher exchanges and technology transfer, so as to promote their economic and social prosperity and sustainable development.

Additionally, the two sides agreed to explore cooperation in such fields as biology, green circular economy and cutting-edge technology.

As regards education and people-to-people exchanges, China and Thailand expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation within the framework of the current memorandum of understanding on education cooperation.

They agreed to strengthen education cooperation at all levels and in all fields through such efforts as joint education, special exchanges, academic exchanges and distance learning.

The two countries also pledged to strive for concrete outcomes in bilateral cultural exchanges, and agreed to jointly organize cultural events next year to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in media and information fields to promote cultural exchanges and the development of the media industry.