Jeli - The second bridge across Sungai Golok along the Malaysia-Thailand border, which is expected to spur economic growth and further enhance bilateral relations, was officially opened by the prime ministers of the two countries today.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Thai counterpart, Surayud Chulanont, chalked up another milestone in 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries when they signed the plaque in the middle of the RM9.2 million bridge to mark the opening. The bridge took 11 months to complete.
In his speech which was televised live in Malaysia and Thailand, Abdullah said the opening of the bridge, which links Bukit Bunga in Jeli with Ban Buketa in Narathiwat, would contribute to the growth of economic and social activities for the benefit of the peoples on both sides of the border.
"This is no ordinary bridge. It is a project planned and identified under the Joint Border Development Strategy which was started in 2004," he said.
He said the bridge was truly a bridge of friendship in several ways, especially when it was a project jointly undertaken by both nations.
Present were Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsongkram, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Higher Education Minister and Jeli MP Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Home Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.
Abdullah said the people of Kelantan would directly benefit from the opening of the bridge in line with the Malaysian government`s aspiration and efforts to bring rapid development to the state, including the development of human capital.
He invited Thai investors to invest in Kelantan, which is one of the states under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), and also other states under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).
Malaysia, he said, was very sympathetic towards the measures taken by the Thai government to strengthen unity and restore peace and stability in its southern provinces.
"As I`ve said before, Malaysia is ready to provide support and cooperation to the Thai government in its efforts to find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the problems in the area," he said.
He said the bridge should serve as a symbol and example of joint efforts to carry out infrastructure projects in other places in future.
Source: www.bernama.com (21 Desember 2007)
