Soeharto wants closer Indonesia-Thailand ties
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told visiting Thai Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday that both countries must foster even closer cooperation, bilaterally and in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"As developing countries, we need to continue to expand our cooperation to achieve progress and provide benefits to our people," Soeharto said in his address to a banquet at Merdeka Palace to welcome the prime minister.
Soeharto said that while much had been achieved through ASEAN, there were still many tasks to be performed.
"Like Thailand, Indonesia also sees ASEAN as a pole for the implementation of our foreign policies. We should therefore continue to strengthen our relations to reach ASEAN's goal," the president was quoted by Antara yesterday.
Chavalit, a former army general who was sworn in as Thai prime minister last month, arrived yesterday for a two-day courtesy call on Soeharto.
The visit follows a long tradition among new leaders and foreign ministers of ASEAN states to visit their counterparts shortly after assuming office.
Chavalit's visit is his first overseas trip since winning the general election in November. He was inaugurated to his post on Dec. 1, replacing Banharn Silpa-archa.
Accompanied by his Indonesian-born wife, Khunying Phanklua, Chavalit touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma airport before noon and was immediately whisked to the Merdeka Palace where he was welcomed by Soeharto and a 21-gun salute in its grounds.
Also on hand were Vice President Try Sutrisno and his wife, along with Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas.
After the formal proceedings, Soeharto and Chavalit moved inside for a few minutes of casual tete-a-tete.
Moerdiono said that, during their brief chat, Soeharto had congratulated Chavalit on his electoral victory and new job as prime minister.
Soeharto had also expressed his gratitude for Chavalit's decision to come to Indonesia on his first overseas trip.
"This reflects the good relationship between the two countries which highly value their relationship and cooperation," Moerdiono said.
High ranking officials and leaders of the two countries often hold exchanges with other in the context of ASEAN, which comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
During yesterday's dinner, Soeharto pointed out that Indonesia and Thailand had had close bilateral economic relations for a long time.
At least 26 Thai companies are working in Indonesia, while 12 Indonesian companies are operating in Thailand.
Chavalit is to hold bilateral talks with Soeharto this morning before returning home in the afternoon. (mds)