Bangkok: Indonesian Prime Minister and President inaugurated the first Leaders' Consultation mechanism, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations with Thailand. The meeting, held at the Bhakdi Bodin Building, Government House, highlighted the elevation of their relationship to a "strategic partnership," paving the way for comprehensive cooperation.
According to Thai News Agency, this historic meeting between Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Mr. Prabowo Subianto was the first official visit by an Indonesian President to Thailand in two decades. The leaders emphasized the significance of their longstanding friendship and the importance of this milestone year in their diplomatic journey.
The Indonesian President expressed gratitude for the warm reception and praised the close ties between the two nations. He welcomed the transition to a Strategic Partnership, viewing it as a new chapter for Indonesia and Thailand. He also expressed confidence that the Leaders' Consultation mechanism would expedite cooperation and invited the Thai Prime Minister to an official visit to Indonesia.
The consultation included discussions on several areas of cooperation:
Bilateral Relations: Both leaders agreed on the strategic partnership as a pivotal step in deepening relations. They proposed regular high-level exchanges and the development of a strategic plan to solidify this partnership.
Security Cooperation: The leaders committed to combating transnational crimes, including online scams and human trafficking. They discussed sharing information on investigations and proposed an agreement on prisoner transfers. Indonesia pledged full cooperation in these efforts.
Economic Cooperation: The two countries recognized potential for increased trade and agreed to convene the Thailand-Indonesia Joint Trade Committee. The Thai Prime Minister sought Indonesian support for Thai investments, while Indonesia invited Thai investments in its Danantara Fund to enhance competitiveness.
Cooperation in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security: Thailand proposed renewing a rice trade agreement and increasing agricultural exchanges. The Indonesian President expressed readiness to work on food security and sustainability, particularly in clean energy.
Tourism Cooperation: The leaders welcomed a surge in tourist exchanges and discussed joint marketing strategies for various tourism sectors. They announced new flight routes to boost connectivity and tourism.
Human Security: A new MoU on Public Health Cooperation was signed, focusing on knowledge exchange and Thailand's Universal Health Coverage Scheme. Both sides agreed to finalize an MoU on food and drug regulation and to expand educational cooperation.
Regional Cooperation: Thailand and Indonesia emphasized regional cooperation, particularly in ASEAN economic integration, and discussed supporting ASEAN's role in Myanmar. Indonesia confirmed its support for Thailand's BRICS membership.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between the health ministries of both countries, strengthening cooperation in public health, disease prevention, and medical tourism, among other areas.