Indonesian Military Chief meets Thailand premier Chuan

Thu, 17 Feb 2000 | Source: AFP

BANGKOK (AFP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Adm. Widodo A.S. (left) met Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai (right) on Wednesday during his first official visit to Thailand.

"He came to introduce himself as he just took the office," Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Mongkon Ampornpisit told reporters after the meeting with Chuan, who also serves as defense minister.

Widodo, who arrived in Thailand on Tuesday, was due to leave for Malaysia later Wednesday evening.

Mongkon said the visit by Widodo reflected the cordial relations between Thailand at every official level, both military and non-military.

Mongkon said Thai armed forces station in a United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor will join South Korean troops and take care of security in the eastern part of the territory.

Thailand is serving as second-in-command of the Australian-led multinational force for East Timor (Interfet) and currently has 1,500 troops in the territory.

It has said it plans to reduce its garrison by a half in the United Nations bluehelmet force which is currently succeeding Interfet which was deployed after the Aug. 30 ballot in East Timor.

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