(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-26 22:34

JAKARTA  -- Indonesia and Thailand will step up cooperation to end conflict in southern Thailand, leaders of the two countries said here Wednesday at a joint press conference after meeting at the State Palace.

"On the issue of the southern border of Thailand, I thank President Susilo Yudhoyono for Indonesia's kind understanding as well as strong cooperation and support," Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said.

Samak said that his country expected Indonesia could help settle the crisis and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed Indonesia's availability for it.

Thailand has indicated that the country wanted to settle the crisis through negotiation and dialogue, and thought Indonesia has the potential to help solve the issue, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters after the press conference.

President Susilo also said that both countries agreed to continue cooperation to combat terrorism.

Violence is on the rise in Thailand's three southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala. Killings have been more brutal as insurgents beheaded and burned their victims.