Myanmar, Thailand to boost military cooperation

BANGKOK, May 27 (TNA) - Myanmar and Thailand have agreed to further boost bilateral cooperation between the armed forces of both neighbouring countries through the exchange of visits of military officers, joint drills and educational support. Thai Defence Ministry Spokesman Major General Khongcheep Tantrawanit told journalists that the agreement was reached at a meeting between visiting Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Armed Forces General Min Aung Hlaing and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan at the Ministry of Defence in Bangkok on Friday. "Both sides have agreed to increase cooperation between the Myanmar and the Thai armed forces, covering the exchange of visits, as well as joint military exercises and educational projects. Besides, bilateral cooperation must also be intensified to deal with key security problems namely narcotics, illegal migration and the damage of resources along the common border," the spokesman stated. "Both sides will have discussions and coordinate solutions straightforwardly and brotherly through existing mechanisms. This will importantly further develop the already closest relations between the armed forces of both neighbouring nations," the spokesman said. Accompanied by his wife and other members of his entourage, the commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces, who was paying an official visit to Thailand as the guest of the Royal Thai Armed Forces during May 25-27, was led by his Thai counterpart General Sommai Kaotira to visit the Royal Thai Armed Forces' Development Command earlier in the day. General Hasapong Yuwanawattana, Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces' Development Command, guided the commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces and his entourage to tour the premise, witness a demonstration of a disaster mitigation drill and enjoyed a video presentation on missions of the Royal Thai Armed Forces' Development Command. On the occasion, the Thai supreme commander thanked his Myanmar counterpart for honourably accepting the invitation to visit Thailand, while stressing that bilateral cooperation between the Myanmar and Thai armed forces is a key foundation for further strengthening close ties and cooperation between both neighbours. The Thai armed forces chief then hosted a luncheon in honour of his Myanmar counterpart and his entourage. (TNA)