BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) – Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu pays a two-day official visit to Thailand aiming at fostering security cooperation in the border areas between the two neighbouring countries.
In his first official visit to Thailand, the Malaysian Defence Minister held talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House in Bangkok on Wednesday.
Topics of discussion included Malaysia’s role as facilitator in talks between the Thai government and insurgency groups in Thai border provinces, according to Thai government deputy spokesman Weerachon Sukhontapatipak.
The Thai prime minister praised Malaysia for facilitating the talks to find peaceful solutions to the conflict, said Weerachon.
The insurgent violence in the southern border provinces of Thailand has claimed more than 7,000 lives since 2004, according to Deep South Watch (DSW).
Gen Prayut also proposed intensive connectivity concerning border affairs between the two countries, said Weerachon. “The prime minister wanted to see seamless connectivity of transport and customs between the two countries for mutual benefit.”
Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to further boost cooperation between their armed forces, Weerachon added. (TNA)
