ABSENCE OF MAJOR PROBLEMS ENSURES SMOOTH MALAYSIA-THAILAND BORDER TALKS

By Jamaluddin Muhammad

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The absence of major border problems between
Malaysia and Thailand is a significant factor in their bilateral relations,
Malaysian Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said here Thursday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who led the Malaysian delegation to the General Border Committee
meeting here, said the discussions went on smoothly.

"The construction of the goodwill bridge linking the two countries is a
manifestation of the good bilateral relations," he said.

He said Malaysia was prepared to assist Thailand to enable its community and
religious leaders as well as students in southern Thailand obtain training and
education in Malaysia.

Malaysia encouraged its investors to invest in southern Thailand and provide
on-the-job training for the people there, he added.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said he hoped that the review of the existing border
agreement, in force since 1904, could be finalised soon.

The review, among other things, touched on border demarcation and deployment of
both countries' troops in the buffer zone, he added.

He also said that the border demarcation had been carried out in most areas
except in Bukit Jeli where the process was ongoing.

Dr Ahmad Zahid expressed happiness with peace having been restored in Thailand,
particularly Bangkok.

Malaysia is Thailand's fourth most important trading partner, with the annual
volume of trade reaching US$17 billion.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also called on Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at
Parliament House here and met with Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan at the
Defence Ministry.

He said the Thai premier said he was looking forward to the annual
consultation with his counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Malaysia by the end
of this year.
-- BERNAMA



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