Myanmar, Thailand to expand cooperation

BANGKOK, May 27 (TNA) - Myanmar and Thailand will enhance bilateral cooperation for the benefits of their citizens. Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists that the issue was raised during bilateral meeting between visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces General Min Aung Hlaing and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha at Bangkok's Government House on May 26. The deputy spokesman said during their Thursday's meeting, the Myanmar commander-in-chief and the Thai prime minister, who is also Chief of the Thai army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), expressed their expectation for closer cooperation, especially on security and border affairs. “The Thai prime minister emphasized his government’s readiness to cooperate with the new government of Myanmar for the benefits of people in both countries. The Thai premier is also pleased that high-level officials of Thailand and Myanmar regularly meet and have discussions which will help develop relations and cooperation in the future,” the deputy government spokesman stated. According to the deputy spokesman, the prime minister was glad with the visit to Thailand by the Myanmar commander-in-chief, scheduled for May 25-27, because he was the first high-level representative of Myanmar to officially visit Thailand after the formation of the new Myanmar government in March 2016 and the visit reflected long-standing close relations between the armed forces of both neighboring countries. The deputy spokesman quoted the prime minister as saying that both countries have been good neighbors and helped each other develop the living conditions of their people and solve border issues. Besides, the Thai prime minister proposed that, apart from bilateral cooperation on military affairs, both neighboring countries cooperate on economic and labor affairs, promising good care for registered Myanmar workers in Thailand. On the occasion, the Myanmar commander-in-chief also extended the regards of Myanmar President Htin Kyaw to the Thai prime minister and promised to maintain bilateral cooperation on general and military issues, while expressing his hope that Myanmar would learn the development roles of the Thai military. (TNA)