Malaysia Reaffirms Strong Ties With Thailand

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

VIENTIANE, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Thailand for mutual benefit, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighting the continuation of key initiatives.

Anwar expressed his government's readiness to uphold the momentum of policies laid down by former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, particularly in enhancing cross-border connectivity and promoting people-to-people relations.

"These efforts will ensure both nations continue to benefit from deeper ties," he said in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier, Anwar met the new Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the first time, during a bilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits here.

During the meeting, Anwar extended his congratulations to Paetongtarn on her appointment as Thailand’s Prime Minister on August 18, 2024.

Anwar also expressed Malaysia's condolences for the recent flooding that severely impacted northern, northeastern, and central Thailand, offering support during this challenging time.

According to media reports, floods hit 23 provinces in Thailand, mostly in the North and Northeast, affecting over 66,000 families across 1,647 villages.

In a separate statement, Paetongtarn said both leaders agreed on enhancing economic cooperation, expressing confidence in the potential of economic collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia.

She said they also discussed the economic development of border areas, aiming to enhance trade, raise the potential of products, and promote private-sector collaboration in these regions.

"Both countries also agreed to push for tourism cooperation. Malaysian tourists are the largest group of visitors to Thailand, and Thailand is ready to collaborate on promoting tourism between the two nations," she said.

Paetongtarn added that the two countries praised the progress of building the bridge connecting Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat Province, Thailand, with Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, Malaysia.

She said Thailand is ready to support Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

In 2023, Thailand was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner globally and second largest among the ASEAN Member States, with total trade valued at US$24.83 billion (RM113.16 billion).

-- BERNAMA