Brunei, Thailand to boost economic ties

GREATER economic co-operation between Brunei and Thailand will be part of a new chapter in the two countries' relations, as both nations seek to boost trade and investment ties ahead of the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday met with Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for a four-eyed meeting in Bangkok, part of his four-day official visit to Thailand.

"I think it (Brunei and Thailand's ties) is one of the closest relationships in ASEAN," said Suranand

Vejjajiva, the secretary-general to the Thai Prime Minister.

"The two royal families are very close so Thailand and Brunei have a special relationship, and it will further develop when ASEAN becomes an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015," added Suranand.

Neither side has disclosed what was discussed during the meeting between the leaders, but agriculture, energy, education and halal cooperation were among the topics on the agenda, according to previous reports.

"The main policies are economic co-operation because we are very close, at the same time, a lot of things have to complement each other," Suranand told The Brunei Times.

He added that energy co-operation would be an important area of discussion, with Thailand seeking to invest in Brunei's oil and gas sector and develop joint projects in renewable energy.

"If we can do an investment or joint project together it would be wonderful."

The Sultan also paid a goodwill call to the Thai King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the Grand Palace, where the latter presented a gift to His Majesty.

The last time the two Monarchs met was during King Bhumibol's Diamond Jubilee in 2006.

In the evening, His Majesty was introduced to senior Thai officials including the Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Suranand, Commander-in-Chiefs of the Royal Thai Armed Forces; Cabinet Ministers and foreign heads of mission.

The two leaders also toured a Thai Arts and Culture Demonstration at Government House where Prime Minister Yingluck presented a traditional Thai leather carving to His Majesty.

The delegations then attended a dinner in honour of the Sultan's visit, where guests were treated to cultural performances by a Thai dance troop.

Speaking on the relationship between the two leaders, the Secretary-General said: "They know each other quite well. Before she was in office she was in Brunei several times and had been well taken care of.

"We receive leaders of the world here all the time, but for His Majesty, the Prime Minister insisted that we have to make it special simple but elegant. It's an honour he is here this time around."The Brunei Times