Thailand on Thursday, July 4, lauded President Marcos' economic governance for the Philippines as he expressed his hope that Thai investments would be supported in the country.
"I expressed my admiration for economic performance of the Philippines under President Marcos Jr. that has made the Philippines one of the fastest economy in the region," Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said in a press conference with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Sangiampongsa and Manalo sat down for bilateral talks in Manila, where the Thai diplomat asked for the Philippines' support for Thai investment.
Sangiampongsa said the Philippines and Thailand "will work together to increase the volume of trade and investment" in the country.
The Thai diplomat's visit coincided with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-Thailand establishment of diplomatic relations.
This year will also witness the visit of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to Manila, according to Sangiampongsa.
"We will also work closely to prepare for the visit of Thai Prime Minister to the Philippines within this year," he said.
Bilateral talks
In a press conference, Manalo said he and Sangiampongsa discussed the upcoming 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) that will be hosted by Thailand later this year.
The meeting will "take stock of our bilateral relations, review and explore, if not agree, on new areas of cooperation, and exchange views on regional as well as international issues," Manalo said.
The two diplomats also talked about ways to cooperate on the following areas: trade and investments, tourism, education, food security, defense, and renewable energy, addressing regional issues, such as transnational crimes, including human trafficking and cybercrimes.
"We exchanged views on regional issues of mutual concern, such as the situation in Myanmar, the South China Sea, and Gaza," he said.
Manalo and Sangiampongsa also agreed that the Philippines and Thailand, as fellow ASEAN member states, would continue to uphold the importance of the Five Point Consensus in promoting lasting peace and security in Myanmar.
"We welcome Thailand’s approach in providing humanitarian relief to those in need in Myanmar, and in addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country," Manalo said.
Manalo said he also asked Sangiampongsa for Thailand's support for Philippine-led resolution at the 56th UN Human Rights Council Session on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of Seafarers, noting the current situation of board merchant vessels plying the Red Sea.
"I had a fruitful and productive meeting with Foreign Minister Maris and I look forward to more opportunities to exchange views with him on how we can strengthen and elevate our bilateral relationship, as well as cooperation in addressing various regional and international challenges," he said.