Indonesia, Thailand agree to upgrade ties to strategic partnership
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa have agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership at the 10th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCM) meeting recently held in Bangkok.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono (left) meets Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa at the 10th JCM in Bangkok. Photo courtesy of Antara.
Sugiono told the press on May 4 that the step reflects the close relations between the two countries and their shared vision to contribute more to the region.
At the JCM, the two sides agreed to establish a joint working team to formulate a strategic partnership roadmap and to identify key sectors for deliverables at the next high-level visit.
They concurred to expand market access for Indonesian-made products, particularly from the agriculture and fisheries sectors as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Both ministers emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation in protecting citizens as well as preventing human trafficking.
In addition to bilateral issues, Sugiono and Sangiampongsa also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including strengthening ASEAN's role in regional stability, peace in Myanmar, and developments in the situation in Palestine.
Sugiono viewed the bilateral meeting as "a new foundation for stronger, broader, and more strategic relations between Indonesia and Thailand."
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