Thailand supports China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR, November 13 (TNA) - Thailand backs the formation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), initiated by China. Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha voiced the support at the 9th East Asia Summit (EAS), held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's capital on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and other related forums organized from November 12-13. The Thai prime minister reasoned that the promotion of regional connectivity is the heart of development and economic integration in Asia and the Pacific and the challenge is fund-raising for infrastructure development. The Thai premier told the EAS, gathering regional and world leaders, including those of the United States, China, Russia, India and Japan, as well as the ASEAN and the Secretaries-General and the chair of the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB), that EAS should be the forum for national leaders to seriously discuss regional strategies concerning political, security, economic and social issues as well as regional challenges. The Thai leader also urged EAS to increase its roles in solving cross-border problems, especially disasters, epidemics and transnational crimes including drug, human and wildlife trafficking. The Thai leader assured that Bangkok is willing to share information to facilitate the suppression of human trafficking, as the problem is a national agenda. Besides, the Thai leader urged the region to eliminate malaria by 2030 and protect itself from the deadly Ebola virus disease, proposing that regional public health ministers meet soon to discuss joint efforts to cope with the spreading disease. The Thai leader is scheduled to return home later in the day, after the conclusion of this year's ASEAN Summit and related forums. (TNA)