Thailand and the Philippines have vowed to expand bilateral cooperation and work together more closely ahead of the launch of the Asean Community (AC) later this year.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signs the guest book in the reception hall of Manila’s Malacanang Palace, accompanied by his wife, Naraporn Chan-o-cha, second from left, and watched by Philippine President Benigno Aquino, right, and the president’s sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz. (Government House photo)
Speaking at a joint press conference in Manila on Friday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and President Benigno Aquino praised the long-standing relationship between the two countries, agreeing to strengthen what was an already-solid framework.
The regional neighbours have shared an official bilateral partnership since 1949.
Gen Prayut, accompanied by his wife Naraporn Chan-o-cha, concluded his two-day visit of the Philippines yesterday — his first trip there since assuming his post last year.
"For the formation of the Asean Community this year, we should work even more closely together to enhance the partnership, giving prosperity to Thailand and the Philippines and strengthening the Asean Community at large," he told reporters.
The upcoming formation of the AC, the economy, labour and defence were issues highlighted by the two leaders during formal talks. Gen Prayut said he proposed to the Philippine president setting up a mechanism under consular cooperation to protect Thais and Filipinos who work in either country.
On economic cooperation, Gen Prayut and Mr Aquino expressed their satisfaction over bilateral trade and investment. They agreed to continue to enhance trade and investment cooperation while looking for opportunities to boost tourist numbers.
Thailand was the Philippines' eighth largest trade partner last year, with total two-way trade worth US$5.83 billion, according to the Philippine government.
Gen Prayut said during the meeting an increase in trade would help support the AC when it is established.
"The Thai private sector in the Philippines has expressed confidence in the potential of the Philippines' economy and interest is expanding investment in the country," Gen Prayut said. The Philippines' private sector is also keen to expand investment in Thailand, particularly its special economic zones.
On defence ties, Mr Aquino said he and Gen Prayut were satisfied with progress following the signing of the terms of reference (ToR) by the Philippine and Thai armies. The ToR involve setting up a working group to develop guidelines for military cooperation.
"We are confident that this agreement will further strengthen our defence and security cooperation,” Mr Aquino said.
Gen Prayut also expressed condolences over a Filipino who was injured in the bomb blast at the Erawan shrine on Aug 17 and assured his counterpart that his government was doing its utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The situation is now under control and necessary measures have been taken to assist victims. Security officials are also investigating and searching for the perpetrators to bring them to justice," Gen Prayut said.
Gen Prayut also briefed his counterpart on internal political and reform developments in Thailand, saying the country has returned to stability and security and is moving towards democracy.
He said the three-phase roadmap would build a stronger and more sustainable democracy for Thailand.
President Aquino and Gen Prayut also exchanged views on the regional outlook, particularly for Asean and China relations, as well as the situation in the South China Sea.
Mr Aquino gave his support for Thailand's bid to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2017, while Gen Prayut did the same as the Philippines attempts to gain a seat on the Human Rights Council next year.