Putrajaya - Peace, stability and prosperity in southern Thailand is very important not only to Thailand but Malaysia too, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reiterated here Thursday.
"We also know that the solution to the problems generated by poverty and underdevelopment lies not only in the construction of infrastructure and the provision of social amenities but also investment in human capital.
"When people are equipped with knowledge and skills, they become useful citizens who can uplift themselves economically and socially and contribute to the well being of the society at the same time," Abdullah said.
He said this at a luncheon hosted by him for visiting Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at a leading hotel here.
On this note, Abdullah said Malaysia was prepared, in any manner considered appropriate and desirable by Thailand, to contribute towards the economic and social development for the people in southern Thailand and that while some progress had been made in the area of education and skills training for young people, "we need to do much more".
On a different note, the Prime Minister said the two nations needed to identify specific measures to accelerate cooperation in matters already agreed upon before, while exploring new areas of collaboration.
He said as the two nations shared common land and sea boundaries, there would always be issues which required continuing attention and that there were many opportunities to be exploited for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
"The overriding objective should always be the maintenance of friendly relations between our two governments and the people because the peace and prosperity of our two countries are interdependent in many ways," added Abdullah.
He also expressed his happiness as both nations had done well in terms of bilateral trade and investment.
Total trade between Malaysia and Thailand grew from US$15.66 billion in 2006 to US$17.23 billion in 2007 with Malaysian investment in Thailand surpassing the RM1 billion mark.
"Malaysia`s national car company, Proton, has successfully launched new models in the Thai market. However, it remains a fact that our two countries seem to trade and invest more in other countries than we do bilaterally," said Abdullah.
The Prime Minister also invited Thai investors to explore the opportunities available in Malaysia`s new development area, the Northern Corridor Development Region.
Such investments, he said would contribute towards the well being of people living in the border areas, including those in southern Thailand.
Abdullah said while Malaysia and Thailand accelerated bilateral cooperation, the two nations as founding members of Asean, should also exert leadership for the strengthening of regional cooperation.
"It was in Thailand in 1967, that Asean was born. It is most fitting that as we embark upon putting into effect the Asean Charter 2007, Thailand is once again taking over the chairmanship of the regional grouping this year. Malaysia will give full support to Thailand in spearheading the task of forging greater regional integration and establishing the Asean community on schedule in 2015.
"We are confident that the 14th Asean Summit to be hosted by Thailand in December 2008 will be a resounding success. Malaysia firmly believes that Asean is the cornerstone for peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia," said the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Samak in his speech at the luncheon, said Thailand attached great importance to its relations with Malaysia, whom it regarded as "our close neighbour and strategic partner".
"We are deeply thankful for the kind cooperation rendered by the government of Malaysia, in particular the Prime Minister, to our mutual efforts to bring peace and prosperity to our people, especially in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia.
"Concerning the southern border provinces, I wish to thank Malaysia for her understanding as well as excellent and close cooperation and support both bilaterally and within the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference). The Thai government remains fully committed to the peaceful and reconciliatory approach in resolving the situation," said Samak.
Source: enews.mcot.net (25 April 2005)
