Thailand and Indonesia elevate relations to strategic partnership

Thailand and Indonesia announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation across all areas of common interest both at the bilateral and regional levels.

The announcement was made during the first official visit to Thailand of President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto on Monday at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

"The decision to elevate the two countries' relations to strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in several aspects on issues of mutual interest to the people of both countries," said Paetongtarn in a statement.

Prabowo's visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. The Thai and Indonesian leaders co-chaired the first Leaders' Consultation -- a new bilateral mechanism to ensure regular consultations at the leader's level.