Soeharto wants closer Indonesia-Thailand ties
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)