Thailand confirms its cooperation with Indonesia to tackle IUU

BANGKOK, March 27 (TNA) - Thailand ensures its joint efforts with Indonesia to solve illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) when Indonesia extends an invitation to the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering. Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to send the invitation to the meeting set on the Bali Island on Oct 11. On the same occasion, both sides discussed fishing cooperation. The Thai prime minister insisted on Thailand’s continuous cooperation with Indonesia on tackling IUU. He expressed gratitude towards Indonesia for its cooperation on the issue. “The Thai government has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya to seriously solve fishing problems. Solutions are comprehensive and continuous,” Lt Gen Werachon said. The prime minister also expressed gratitude towards Indonesia for granting scholarships to Thai students and welcoming Thai investors. The Thai private sector had confidence in the Indonesian economy and investment opportunities there, Lt Gen Werachon said. (TNA)