Prime Minister visits the Philippines

BANGKOK, Aug 14 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left Bangkok on Friday morning on a one-day official visit to the Philippines to strengthen bilateral relations and multi-lateral cooperation including those in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Thailand and the Philippines were among the five founding members of the grouping in 1967. The others were Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The prime minister and his entourage departed from the Royal Thai Air Force Base at Don Mueang at 8 am and was scheduled to arrive at the Villamor Air Force Base in Manila at noon local time, which is one hour ahead of Thailand.

Upon his arrival, Mr Abhisit will meet with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in talks expected to cover a wide range of cooperation.

Both sides are expected to review and seek ways to strengthen their bilateral ties, particularly as this year will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties established between Thailand and the Philippines. The two nations have had smooth and strong relations as well as a positive alliance during the past 60 years.

During the one-day official visit, Mr Abhisit is expected to discuss bilateral cooperation on food and energy security, and planning to expand trade and investment, particularly Thai rice and fruit.

The Thai prime minister will ask the Philippine leader to support Thai businesspersons who invest in the Philippines.

Tax and tourism cooperation are also on the agenda.

Security at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including within the ASEAN framework, will be discussed by the two leaders.

After the talks, Mr Abhisit is scheduled to lay a wreath at the monument of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, and receive the key to the city of Manila before attending an official welcome ceremony and dinner hosted by Mrs Arroyo to honour the Thai prime minister at Malacanang, the seat of the Philippine government.

Mr Abhisit is scheduled to arrive at the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Bangkok at 11.30 pm Friday. (TNA)