Thailand and Malaysia Strengthen Bilateral Ties
BANGKOK, Dec 16 (Bernama) — Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that her meeting with Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had strengthened bilateral ties and paved the way for the acceleration of shared projects.
Progress Made in Key Areas
Paetongtarn highlighted the progress made in key areas, including flood mitigation, border management, and trade cooperation, during the Thailand-Malaysia talks.
Building on Previous Initiatives
"Despite the brief nature of the visit, significant advancements were made in bilateral cooperation," she said in a televised interview on Monday, reflecting on the outcomes of her official visit to Malaysia. She noted that the discussions successfully built on initiatives from the previous year under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration.
Key Issues Addressed
"Key issues addressed included border challenges, economic collaboration, flood management projects such as dredging the Sungai Golok, logistics improvements, and the situation in Thailand’s southern border provinces. Both sides agreed that these issues must be resolved without resorting to violence," she said.
Cooperation in Food Security and Education
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of educational collaboration, with Malaysia being identified as a key destination for Thai students under a proposed scholarship program. Additionally, Thailand is committed to promoting certified halal food exports, which is expected to expand its market reach to neighboring nations and beyond.
Flood Prevention and Joint Committee
On flood prevention, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish a joint committee tasked with developing strategies to address flood risks in both countries. Both sides expressed their readiness to boost mutual investment opportunities, focusing on joint projects that deliver mutual benefits under a "win-win" approach.
Agriculture and Cultural Cooperation
During the visit, agreements were signed in the areas of agriculture and cultural cooperation, further solidifying bilateral relations.
Conclusion and Invitation
Paetongtarn concluded by extending an invitation to the Malaysian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Thailand. She emphasized that such visits would facilitate faster progress on joint initiatives, with tangible outcomes anticipated as early as next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key areas of cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia?
A: The key areas of cooperation include flood mitigation, border management, and trade cooperation.
Q: What is the goal of the proposed scholarship program?
A: The goal of the proposed scholarship program is to provide opportunities for Thai students to study in Malaysia and to promote educational collaboration between the two countries.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the joint committee on flood prevention?
A: The expected outcome of the joint committee on flood prevention is to develop strategies to address flood risks in both countries and to reduce the impact of natural disasters on communities.
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