On 29 – 30 October 2017, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, paid a visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of H.E. the State Counsellor and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar earlier. The main programme included a bilateral meeting with H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, and a call on Senior-General Min Aung Hliang, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of Myanmar.  

 

During both occasions, both sides reaffirmed their close and cordial relations as neighbouring countries, at all levels, let it be government to government, army to army and people to people. Both sides also agreed to enhance various areas of cooperation, especially border cooperation, for the benefits of their peoples.

 

The Thai Foreign Minister also had opportunities to discuss and exchange the views on the situation in Rakhine State with State Counsellor and Commander – in – Chief of Defence Services of Myanmar.  He reassured Thailand’s commitment to working with ASEAN and the international community to cooperate with and support Myanmar in finding sustainable solutions to the problem in Rakhine State for peace, stability, harmony and sustainable development of all communities in Rakhine.

 

In this context and in order to promote sustainable livelihoods, the Thai side stands ready to share its expertise regarding “the New Theory” under His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” (SEP). Thailand believes that it could be one of the practical models for sustainable development in Myanmar in general and in Rakhine State in particular.

 

Lastly, both sides also touched upon other bilateral issues, especially the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand and Myanmar diplomatic relations in 2018. Thailand and Myanmar wished to join hands to organize a number of activities to commemorate such auspicious occasion in order to strengthen the ever closer ties between our two countries.