On 30 July 2019, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand had a bilateral meeting with H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation of Myanmar, at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World on the sideline of the 52th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.

            The Thai side reaffirmed its support for Myanmar’s efforts to solve the situation in Rakhine State. The Myanmar side gave an update on the outcome of the visit to Cox’s Bazar by a delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, on 27 - 29 July 2019. In this regard, both sides agreed to advance ASEAN’s constructive involvement in Rakhine State in particular the implementation of the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment Mission from the AHA Centre to help facilitate the early repatriation of displaced persons.

            On bilateral issues, both sides agreed to accelerate the process towards the opening of the 2nd Thailand and Myanmar Friendship Bridge across Moei/Thaungyin River at the earliest opportunity. The Myanmar side also reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating and supporting Thailand’s investment in Myanmar.  In addition, both sides also discussed cooperation to prevent encroachment of fishing vessels into each other’s territory.    

            As Thailand and Myanmar are Natural Strategic Partners, both sides share common interests as close neighbours and have a lot more potential to cooperate closely for  mutual benefits of both countries and the region. Thailand will host the 10th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar at mutually convenience.

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