Thailand, Malaysia continue cooperation, solve dual citizenship, violence

BANGKOK, January 30 (TNA) - Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to carry on bilateral cooperation on several issues, including cross-border transport connectivity and solutions to declining rubber prices, a long standing problem of dual citizenship, migrant workers and violent incidents in the Thai deep South. Thai Government Spokesman Dr. Yongyuth Mayalarp told journalists of the agreement on Friday, after a meeting between visiting Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha at Bangkok's Government House. The spokesman stated that several major issues were raised during the talks between the visiting Malaysian defence minister and the Thai prime minister, including violent unrest in the Thai deep South, in which more than 5,000 people have lost their lives since early 2004, leading to the Thai government's setting up of a team to hold peace negotiations with insurgency groups. The spokesman said the Thai premier also urged the Malaysian government to look after Thai workers in Malaysia and to help solve the problem of people holding dual citizenship, while promising that his government will encourage Thai business operators to expand their investment into Malaysia. Besides, the Thai prime minister asked the Malaysian government to help build and improve cross-border land transport connectivity, leading to an agreed move that concerned agencies of the two neighbouring countries will hold talks on the issue later. The Thai prime minister also proposed that Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, as the world's three major rubber producers and exporters, hold meetings and find a common ground in boosting rubber prices, while the visiting Malaysia defence minister promised to inform Malaysian Prime Minster Najib Razak and concerned Malaysian agencies on the proposal. According to the spokesman, the Thai prime minister praised his Malaysian counterpart for his visions and his roles as the leader the current chair nation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The spokesman revealed that both sides thanked each other for assistance given to flood victims in the other country and pledged to continue the sound cooperation. After the meeting, Thai Army Chief and Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr escorted the Malaysian defence minister to visit an orchid market having been opened near the Government House. The Malaysian defence minister is paying an official visit to Thailand from January 28-30 to attend the 52nd Thai-Malaysia General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting and to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. (TNA)