STRENGTHENING MALAYSIA-THAILAND TIES
Asean matters a key highlight of Dr M’s trip to Bangkok
BILATERAL and economic relations, trade, investment, security as well as Asean-related matters are set to be the key highlights of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s two-day official visit here beginning today.
The visit by the prime minister, his first to the kingdom since assuming the premiership for the second time, is expected to present a golden opportunity for the government leadership in realigning common directions and goals between the two countries.
Malaysian ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel told media the focus and priority given by Dr Mahathir and his Thai counterpart, General Prayuth Chan o Cha, on bilateral and regional issues would serve as a starting point towards further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations.
“Even though Malaysia and Thailand enjoy solid economic partnership and cooperation, both countries believe there is a bigger and higher potential which can be explored.
“This visit will present the prime minister with an excellent opportunity to discuss with his counterpart on how to fully explore these potentials, especially economic trade at the borders, which comprise 70 per cent of the total two-way trade between Malaysia and Thailand,” he said.
Malaysia is Thailand’s fourth largest trading partner in the world and the largest in Asean. Thailand, meanwhile, is Malaysia’s fifth largest trading partner globally and second largest among Asean countries.
Also high on the agenda is the security and safety of the Malaysia-Thailand border provinces. Dr Mahathir and Prayuth are expected to address issues such as smuggling, crossborder crimes and, last but not least, the status of the Southern Thailand peace process.
Since 2004, the conflict in Thailand’s restive south has claimed almost 7,000 lives, though violence and the number of deaths have been on a downward trend, with 235 people killed last year compared with 309 in the previous year.
Thailand has appointed Malaysia as the facilitator for the talks, with former inspectorgeneral of police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor, the new facilitator, in the Malaysian delegation.
“A solid cooperation and clear direction in this matter will effectively contribute towards the stability, peace and prosperity of both countries,” said Samuel.
Also on the cards is Thailand’s chairmanship of Asean next year.
Samuel said given Malaysia and Thailand’s roles as Asean founding members, the two countries have key roles and responsibilities to develop and strengthen integration among member nations to develop an Asean community that is stable in terms of
politics, safety, economy and socially.
Dr Mahathir has a packed schedule in store following his arrival this morning, accompanied by wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and other government representatives.
Dr Mahathir will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Government House by Prayuth. The two leaders will then have a restricted meeting, followed by a bilateral meeting attended by the Malaysian and Thai delegations.
A joint press conference will be held between the two premiers to announce the outcome of the discussions as well as any decision reached by both sides on bilateral issues of common interest.
Later, Prayuth and his wife will host an official dinner at the Government House for the Malaysian delegation.
Tomorrow, Dr Mahathir will be interviewed by Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) before he meets with the Malaysia-Thailand Chamber of Commerce (MTCC).
The MTCC holds special significance for Dr Mahathir, who had officiated its establishment on July 6, 2002 here.
Since its establishment, the MTCC has played a key role in promoting and developing business and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
Dr Mahathir will also receive a courtesy visit from General Prem Tinsulanonda, who was the prime minister of Thailand from 1980 to 1988.
Prem, who is Thailand’s Privy Council president, was Dr Mahathir ’s first Thai counterpart during the latter’s first term as prime minister from when Dr Mahathir first assumed the role in 1981.
The visit is set to be a nostalgic reunion for the two close friends, both of whom are over 90 years old.
The Privy Council serves as an advisory body for the king of Thailand and is responsible for representing the Thai ruler on any official duties. Its members are personally appointed by the king and they hold lifelong positions.
Dr Mahathir will then attend a lunch and special dialogue session with the Malaysian diaspora in Thailand, where he is expected to engage attendees in a question-and-answer session.
Prior to his departure home, the prime minister is expected to present a public lecture titled “Malaysia-Thailand Bilateral Relations in the context of Asean” at Bangkok’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University.