RI, Thailand pledge ties despite fishery problem
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)