Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Indonesia today and tomorrow, the first by a Thai prime minister in 15 years, potentially heralding a new chapter in Thailand’s pro-active foreign policy aimed at building a closer relationship and strategic partnership with Indonesia.
The prime minister’s delegation comprises Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Defence Minister Lt-Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen and Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong among others.
A formal meeting between the Thai delegation and their Indonesia counterparts, led by President Prabowo Subianto, was scheduled to take place today shortly after their arrival in Jakarta. A press conference is expected after the meeting at the presidential office, to be followed by the signing and exchange of two official documents; one is the plan for a strategic partnership between the two countries and another an MoU on educational cooperation.
The Indonesia president will host a dinner for Prime Minister Anutin and his delegates.
On Tuesday, the prime minister is due to preside over a business forum, jointly held by KADIN, Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s branch office in Indonesia. Four MoUs will be signed after the forum.
Later, the prime minister and the delegation will visit the ASEAN Secretariat and hold a discussion with the ASEAN secretary-general on regional cooperation. The prime minister is also scheduled to give a speech on Thailand’s vision for ASEAN, to be followed by discussions between the private sectors of the two countries.
The prime minister and his delegation are due to fly back tomorrow evening.
