Thai-PNG relation boosted

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN 

THE visit by the Thai prime minister to Papua New Guinea was historic in that it saw the emergence of a new relationship and development opportunities for the two countries.  

It is the first-ever official visit planned between PNG and Thailand for the prime ministers to meet, share interests and exchange ideas. 

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra announced that they would work together to strengthen and enhance political developments, bilateral relations, trade and investment, technical cooperation, education, regional cooperation and global issues. 

Both leaders agreed to work together to safeguard and advance democracy and the rule of law, establish PNG-Thailand bilateral consultations as an avenue to pursue mutual interests, establish business networking and cooperation, providing capacity building expertise in priority areas to PNG, create awareness and people to people connectivity, promote regional cooperation such as Asean, Apec and PIF. 

O’Neill said: “PNG is interested to further work with Thailand to do more for the people in business and trade, education, agriculture and other areas. 

“PNG is pleased to work with Thailand as the two MoUs just signed signify the strengthening of that relationship. 

“And we have agreed to continue the exchanges of high level visits between PNG and Thailand in order to build upon the spirit of friendship and move forward the cooperative endeavours between the two countries,” he said. 

Shinawatra said Thailand was interested in partnering with PNG as PNG had the potential for huge trade benefits.