Selamat Petang. I wish to begin by expressing my appreciation to Prime Minister Najib and the Government of Malaysia for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements given to me and my delegation during the Official Visit to Malaysia. I am honoured and look forward to the Royal Audience with the Fourteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong to take place after this Press Conference.
I had a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Najib and am very pleased with the successful outcome, as mentioned by the Prime Minister. This is reflected in the Joint Press Statement that has been signed. This visit and our discussions reaffirm the close ties between Thailand and Malaysia and our shared commitment to further enhance our relations. We plan to strengthen our cooperation under existing bilateral means, to promote trade and investment, Halal cooperation and joint investment in third countries, including cooperation to enhance security along our common border.
To make our relations more pro-active, we stressed the need to develop both hardware and software connectivity. This will not only promote economic prosperity for the peoples along the border areas but also enhance regional connectivity. On my part, I have expressed support for Prime Minister Najib’s proposal to promote business and economic cooperation between the private sectors of both countries along the border areas and beyond. The priority areas include oil and gas, power industry, automotive industry, rubber, sugar and rice, and tourism.
The Prime Minister and I also highlighted key projects under the Joint Development Strategy (JDS) to be implemented as planned, such as the construction of two bridges across the Golok River, the integration of development plans and special economic zones of CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) Sadao-Bukitkayuhitam. I also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to complete the construction of Ban Prakob CIQ as planned.
Thailand welcomes and supports the policy of Global Movement of Moderates, initiated by the Prime Minister, as a means to fight extremism. Thailand firmly believes that moderation is the key to peace and development. This is reflected in our policies and efforts to resolve the situation in the Southern Border Provinces through adoption of His Majesty the King’s philosophy of “Sufficiency Economy” and advice to “understand, reach out and develop.”
Lastly, as founding members of ASEAN, we see our cooperation as key to ASEAN community building, regional connectivity, peace and prosperity. With Malaysia scheduled to be ASEAN Chair in 2015, Thailand is confident that the launch of the ASEAN Community will be in good hands. We look forward to ASEAN being a key driver of economic growth and stability in the wider Asia-Pacific region. This will also allow our two countries to better address various global challenges, in particular in the area of natural disasters.
Thank you.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th