Thailand and Indonesia elevate relations to strategic partnership

Both sides agreed to increase cooperation between the Thai and Indonesian armed forces and law enforcement agencies to tackle common security threats and transnational crime, especially drug trafficking and online scams, as well as exploring potential partnership in the defense industry.

The two countries are committed to increasing bilateral trade and they also agreed to enhance tourism cooperation, especially cruise and yacht tourism and wellness.

Moreover, both sides pledged strong support for more two-way investment, and expanded cooperation in food security, fisheries, halal products, energy security and green economy, education and healthcare.

According to a statement by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs released Monday, Thailand and Indonesia are committed to strengthening ASEAN solidarity and centrality. They will work closely to deepen regional economic integration and increase regional strength in the face of global economic uncertainties.

"As founding members of ASEAN and the two largest economies in ASEAN, both Thailand and Indonesia reaffirmed the leading role of ASEAN in helping to bring peace back to Myanmar," the statement noted.

During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and the Ministry of Health of Indonesia on health cooperation.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn