Thai, Indonesian FMs discuss areas of cooperation

BANGKOK, July 13 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul met visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa in Bangkok on Friday, during which they discussed ways to further boost bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Indonesia. Surapong told journalists after the meeting that he and the visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister discussed bilateral and regional issues, including obstacles in fishery, the Thai-Indonesian Joint Commission meeting, which has not been held for a long time, and Thailand’s intention to export one million tonnes of rice to Indonesia annually under their 2011 memorandum of understanding (MOU). The Thai deputy premier acknowledged that both sides will discuss types, quantities and prices of rice later. On the occasion, the Indonesian Foreign Minister, who was paying an official visit to Thailand, expressed gratitude towards Thailand for coordinating negotiations on problems in the South China Sea with China. Besides, both sides agreed that the formation of the ASEAN Community (AC) by 2015 should lead to the expansion of international cooperation in the future. (TNA)