​On 17 April 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Thailand, held a discussion with H.E. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, via videoconference to discuss issues and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries amidst the spread of the COVID-19. These include COVID-19 related assistance for Thai nationals in Malaysia and for Malaysians in Thailand, and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries post COVID-19, such as food security, education and border management.

 

​The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand expressed his appreciation to his Malaysian counterpart for the assistance rendered in ensuring the safety and well-being of Thai nationals in Malaysia. The Thai Foreign Minister also informed about the return to Thailand of Thai nationals through designated border checkpoints in Southern Thailand which would recommence on 18 April 2020, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to facilitating smooth return of Thai nationals as well as the health inspection and quarantine process involved to minimize the risk of infection. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate and cooperate with the Thai side and, in turn, expressed his appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for the assistance on 

the return to Malaysia of Malaysian nationals in Thailand.

 

​The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together in addressing the COVID-19 situation. The Malaysian Foreign Minister expressed interest to share experiences on measures to contain the spread of the virus. Looking forward, both sides agreed to further promote cooperation on food security, education, and border management.

 

​The discussion also covered cooperation within the ASEAN framework, whereby the Thai Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s support for Malaysia’s initiative on ASEAN Economic Recovery Plan.

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