General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, made an official visit to Myanmar between 8 – 9 October 2014. During the visit, General Tanasak called on his counterparts for bilateral talks, focusing on the preparation for the official visit of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand.

In his bilateral discussions with H.E. Mr. Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, General Tanasak reaffirmed the importance of the close relationship between the two countries. He also praised Myanmar’s role as chairman of ASEAN in 2014.  In response, Myanmar’s Foreign Minister expressed his country’s delight and honor to receive the Prime Minister of Thailandon on his first official visit abroad.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in various aspects in the form of  developmental partnership. These include the arrangement for border development between the two countries, the development of connectivity aimed at improving trade/tourism, the expansion of the Dawei Special Economic Zone to foster economic growth on a bilateral and regional level, and the extension of the border economic zone in order to raise the standard living of people on both sides of the border.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs shared the details of the migrant registration process system in Thailand, particularly for Myanmar migrant workers who would be receiving rights to protection under Thai law. In reply, the Foreign Minister of Myanmar showed appreciation for Thailand’s efforts in taking care of Myanmar citizens, as well as providing them with a better standard of living.

Later on, General Tanasak paid a courtesy call on General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander -in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, where he reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to further expand bilateral cooperation in national security affairs with Myanmar such as the common border areas development and narcotic controls. Both countries agreed to share their experiences on these issues. The Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces also expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s support on the regular joint-military training exercises and the border area development initiatives which contributed to the stability in the region.