BANGKOK, May 19 — Thailand and Indonesia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership," aimed at strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub said the agreements resulted from bilateral talks between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Government House today.
The move reflects a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing collaboration between the two nations.
“Key areas of cooperation under the strategic partnership include political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, food and energy security, tourism, public health, education, and international cooperation,” Jirayu said in a statement.
As founding Asean members and major regional economies, Thailand and Indonesia aim to reinforce Asean unity and resilience amidst growing global geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Earlier, Prabowo arrived at Government House for his official visit to Thailand. This marks his first visit to Thailand since assuming office in October last year, and the first official visit by an Indonesian President to Thailand in 20 years.
He participated in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue under the inaugural Leaders’ Consultation, an initiative proposed by Thailand to promote regular meetings between national leaders and accelerate tangible cooperation across various sectors.
Jirayu said Thailand and Indonesia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in public health.
The exchange of the MOU was witnessed by Prabowo and Paetongtarn, and signed by Thailand’s Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsutin and Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono.
"The MOU aims to enhance relations between Thailand and Indonesia and promote collaboration in public health across areas such as primary healthcare systems, communicable disease control, medical supply security, healthcare financing, and health tourism," he said.
Meanwhile, Jirayu highlighted that Paetongtarn expressed deep honour in hosting the Indonesian President on his first official visit to Thailand.
"With over 150 years of friendship, Thailand and Indonesia trace their relations back to King Chulalongkorn's visit to Java in 1871.
"Today's visit reaffirms this enduring friendship and marks a significant milestone as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations," he said.
Jirayu added that Paetongtarn expressed her gratitude for the warm friendship extended by the Indonesian President and looked forward to visiting Indonesia in the near future.
— Bernama
