Royal Thai Government : PM expresses condolences over Jakarta attacks

January 21, 2016, at 1330hrs, at the Ivory Room, Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House, H.E. Mr. Lutfi Rauf, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on the occasion of his tenure ending. Maj Gen Werachon Sukhontapatipak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed gist of the meeting as follows:

The Prime Minister expressed condolences over bomb and gun attacks in Jakarta on January 14, 2016 which cost 7 lives and some casualties. He joined the Government of Indonesia in condemning such crime and violence, and agreed that terrorism was a threat against which ASEAN member countries must beef up preventive measures and be more prepared. He also proposed strengthening of security cooperation between Thailand, Indonesia, and ASEAN.

The Prime Minister thanked Indonesian Ambassador for his role in strengthening relations between Thailand and Indonesia, and in promoting understanding of the Indonesian Government towards Thai political situation. He affirmed Thailand's stance in cooperating with Indonesia in the areas of mutual interests based on the policy of 'Thailand+1' and 'ASEAN+1'. He also proposed ASEAN integration by product categories in a bid to add more values to the products and create bargaining power in the global market. For instance, cooperation in fishery between Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam which would help promote marketing share and joint fishery management, as well as tackle IUU fishing. Cooperation of ASEAN member countries in the same manner on other products, such as rice, rubber, and palm, would help address agricultural price slump and improve product quality.

The Prime Minister also proposed ASEAN's joint R&D for agricultural processing under an ASEAN brand, on which the Indonesian Ambassador agreed. On bilateral relations, Thailand and Indonesia have forged diplomatic relations for over 65 years, covering comprehensive cooperation in various aspects. With regard to trade and investment, although trade volume decreased due to the global economic downturn, a number of Thai investors in Indonesia has increased, and vice versa. There is also an increase of agro products import from Thailand, especially rice, due to the recent drought disaster in Indonesia. This year, there is a plan to promote food security cooperation between the two countries.

During the past year, Thailand and Indonesia also had cooperation in natural resources and environment through the return of 14 Orangutans to Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ambassador also commended Thai Government's effort in combating IUU fishing, and confirmed the country's cooperation on the matter. A joint committee, co-chaired by Thailand's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will be established. Its inaugurate meeting will be held early this year.

The Prime Minister also requested the Ambassador for a royal welcome extended to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who will make an official visit to Indonesia in March 2016. The Ambassador expressed pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness, and praised the SD Negeri 50 Kota Ternate development project in Indonesia which is the initiative of Her Royal Highness.

The Prime Minister also extended his invitation to the President of Indonesia to make an official visit to Thailand at the first opportunity.