Thai, Indonesian leaders pleased with bilateral relations

BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) - Thai and Indonesian leaders say they are happy with the comprehensive growth of bilateral relations between Bangkok and Jakarta and will expand bilateral cooperation in the energy and food sectors. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made the remarks during their meeting in Bangkok on Friday, as the Indonesian leader is visiting Thailand this week to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia 2012, held in the Thai capital from May 30-June 1. Yingluck welcomed the Indonesian President and referred to sound bilateral ties and cooperation between Thailand and Indonesia, especially on agriculture and halal food production, expressing her confidence that Thailand can export some one million metric tons of rice to Indonesia from 2011-2016 and promising to encourage Thai investors to expand their businesses into Indonesia. The visiting Indonesian President expressed his satisfaction with the value of bilateral trade which has been growing since 2010, promising to support more Indonesian investment projects in Thailand as well. The Indonesian President also proposed that Thailand and Indonesia jointly enhance their promotion of green cars, as the Indonesian government is campaigning for this kind of vehicles; while the Thai premier accepted the proposal and will have concerned agencies study it. The Thai prime minister also proposed that both countries boost cooperation on alternative energy, especially biodiesel, palm oil and ethanol. Both leaders agree to promote cooperation between their people as well. The Indonesian and Thai leaders said they believe that the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomats and government officials will further promote bilateral cooperation and support the establishment of the single community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, in which both Bangkok and Jakarta are key members. The Thai and the Indonesian leaders witnessed the signing of the mutual visa waiver agreement after their talks.(TNA)