Cebu: Thailand and the Philippines are set to enhance their cooperation in smart agriculture, the halal industry, and the fight against transnational crime, following a bilateral meeting between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Charnvirakul held discussions with President Marcos in Cebu, following the conclusion of the 48th ASEAN Summit. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in smart and sustainable agriculture, with a proposal for a rice trade agreement aimed at ensuring long-term rice supply security for the Philippines. The discussions also covered the revival of the Philippines-Thailand Energy Forum to support clean energy transitions and strengthen energy security across ASEAN.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Philippines for their warm reception and congratulated them on their ASEAN chairmanship, reaffirming Thailand's support. The leaders agreed to expand trade cooperation, with a Joint Trade Committee meeting set to take place at the Commerce Ministers' level in the Philippines for the first time this year. This meeting is expected to offer significant opportunities to boost bilateral trade.
In the realm of trade and investment, Thailand welcomed the support of the Philippines for Thai private sector investments and invited Filipino companies to explore investment opportunities in Thailand, particularly in the software industry. Energy cooperation was another key area of focus, as both sides discussed the importance of renewable energy and the ASEAN power grid.
Efforts to combat transnational crime, especially online fraud, were also highlighted as a priority, with both nations agreeing to promote this issue as a significant agenda item for ASEAN. Additionally, Prime Minister Charnvirakul emphasized the importance of Filipino workers in Thailand, promising continued welfare and fair treatment for them.
The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister and his delegation departing Cebu City, scheduled to arrive at Military Air Base 2, Wing 6, later in the day.