RI, Thailand pledge ties despite fishery problem
JAKARTA (JP): Thai Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on a courtesy call here, held yesterday a highly cordial exchange of views with President Soeharto, but reportedly side stepped existing controversial issues between the two countries.
Indonesian Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said after the meeting the sensitive question of fisheries was not discussed.
"No, it wasn't touched on because the atmosphere was very friendly. Even though both sides realize there is a small problem," said Moerdiono.
Prior to departing for Jakarta, Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaivasarn had reportedly said fisheries would feature prominently in the talks.
The issue has aggravated some neighboring countries because Thai fishermen have frequently been caught fishing in foreign waters to supplement the depleting fish supply from the Gulf of Thailand.
The issue of fisheries was apparently touched on in a parallel meeting between Thai and Indonesian officials. Officials agreed to begin drafting a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the issue but no details were released.
Chavalit arrived Thursday for what is described as a courtesy call on Soeharto who is the region's most senior statesman.
It is customary for newly appointed leaders and foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to pay a courtesy call on their counterparts after assuming office.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Chavalit, a former army general, was appointed to office in December after his electoral victory a month earlier.
Chavalit was accompanied on his visit by his Indonesian born wife Khunying Phanklua and Foreign Minister Prachuab.
The talks between the two leaders yesterday reflected the generally amiable state of relations between Jakarta and Bangkok.
To meet the growing interchange between the two sides it was agreed a Thai consulate would be opened in Surabaya, East Java, and an Indonesian consulate in Songkhla, southern Thailand.
Moerdiono explained that both leaders emphasized the importance of further enhancing ties.
"They both agreed bilateral ties were very close with no principal problems posing an obstacle," he said, adding that Soeharto and Chavalit had agreed to increase consultation.
"The two leaders agreed that when needed they could conduct consultations on the telephone," Moerdiono remarked.
On ASEAN, they stressed the need to remain alert to global development which could effect the organization and the region as a whole.
Both Soeharto and Chavalit discussed the rapid pace of development being undertaken in their respective countries.
"That way the two leaders could identify opportunities to increase economic cooperation," Moerdiono explained.
Chavalit officials expressed their appreciation at Jakarta's positive response to the possibility of Thailand purchasing natural gas.
During a parallel meeting between Indonesian and Thai officials, both sides agreed to drafting several mutually beneficial MOUs. They will cover areas of trade, mining and the avoidance of double taxation.
Chavalit was scheduled to return to Bangkok yesterday evening. (mds)