MALAYSIA, THAILAND COMMITTED TO SOLVING SOUTHERN THAILAND PROBLEMS

MALAYSIA, THAILAND COMMITTED TO SOLVING SOUTHERN THAILAND PROBLEMS


PUTRAJAYA, June 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Thailand have renewed their
commitment to tackle the problems in southern Thailand, Malaysian Prime Minister
Najib Razak said Monday.

He said Malaysia was asked by Thailand to extend assistance for capacity
building for youths in the area, especially in providing vocational training and
scholarships.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had also sought Malaysia's assistance
in extending its Islamic curriculum for Islamic schools there, said Najib at a
joint press conference with his Thai counterpart at the Prime Minister's Office,
here.

Abhisit, who is on a one-day official visit to Malaysia, and Najib led their
respective delegations at a bilateral meeting at the same venue earlier.

The Thai premier said creating opportunities in education for young people
in southern Thailand was one of the key factors for achieving peace, stability
and justice in the region.

Abhisit said creating economic opportunities for the area could also
contribute to the stability in the region and both countries could use their
economic connectivity in fulfilling the needs.

For example, economic activities for the young people in the area could be
further explored through the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle
(IMT-GT), he said.

Southern Thailand has been experiencing unrest and bombings since 2004.

On the issue of dual citizenship involving Malaysians and Thais, Najib said
they discussed the matter and decided that both sides needed to look into the
technical challenges, including preparing a proper database.

Asked on the proposed gas pipeline project between Songkhla in Thailand and
Kota Perdana in northern state of Kedah, to be developed by Malaysian
independent power producer SKS, Najib said it was under the Thai government's
consideration now.

Earlier, Najib, in his opening remarks at the press conference said
bilateral relations were now on a stronger footing, and that the two countries
would remain committed in strengthening, deepening and enhancing the ties.

"We also noted the fact that there are no real serious bilateral problems
between the two countries due to the fact that we have adopted a very positive
attitude," he said.

Both governments, said the prime minister, managed to work closely with each
other to overcome problems whenever they occurred.

Touching on economic issues, Najib said total trade between the two
countries had been on a positive trajectory.

"Total trade in 2007 was to the tune of US$16.5 billion while in 2008 it
went up to US$18.2 billion. Hopefully, this year, it will not be too badly
affected by the current economic and financial global crisis," he said.

Earlier, Abhisit was accorded an official welcome at the Dataran Perdana. He
was greeted by Najib and members of the Cabinet.

Abhisit then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by three officers and 103
men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment.

The Thai delegation comprised 38 members, including Deputy Prime Minister
Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
-- BERNAMA