PM holds talks with Myanmar President

SOCHI, Russia, May 20 (TNA) -- Thailand’s Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has proposed to Myanmar President Htin Kyaw for a joint cabinet retreat between the two neighbouring countries in an attempt to strengthen bilateral cooperation in future, said a deputy government spokesman Maj Gen Weerachon Sukondhapatipak. Talks between the two men, held Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit being held in the Russian resort town of Sochi, focused on several bilateral cooperation issues including special economic projects and labour cooperation in which many Myanmar labourers are now working in Thailand, said Maj Gen Weerachon. Both men agreed to improve the livelihood of people of the two countries and to jointly help resolved people crossing their common border, said the deputy spokesman. Pledging that Thailand is prepared to help develop Myanmar through existing mechanisms including the Joint Boundary Committee and the Joint High-level committee, Gen Prayut proposed that the two governments organise a Joint Cabinet Retreat in an attempt to promote a joint cooperation in future. Maj Gen Weerachon said Mr Htin Kyaw wants Myanmar tourism operators to learn how Thailand develops its tourism industry so that they could promote tourism in Myanmar. (TNA)