Source: Manila Bulletin
BANGKOK, Thailand – Injecting fresh momentum into bilateral relations between the Philippines and Thailand, President Aquino arrived here Thursday for a two-day visit seeking to broaden cooperation on trade, investment, anti-drug trafficking, and disaster management.
The President touched down in Bangkok past Thursday noon for an official visit upon the invitation of Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and highlighted strong bilateral ties between the two Asian neighbors.
Aquino said he intends to expand cooperative partnership with Thailand during his meeting with Abhisit at the Government House late Thursday afternoon as the world faces political, economic, and environmental challenges.
The two leaders were expected to hold extensive discussions on various topics of bilateral, regional and global interest, shortly after Aquino’s meeting with some Thai businessmen.
“This is part of the administration’s agenda to strengthen our bilateral relations with Thailand and enhance our solidarity with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” the President said about his overnight visit here.
“Our bilateral relations with Thailand were established on 1949 and after more than six decades, our ties remain strong. As members of the ASEAN, it is important to have good relations between the Philippines and Thailand to achieve our vision of progress,” said Aquino who was accompanied by a 52-man delegation.
During his visit to Thailand, Aquino also made a pitch for investments under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, adding he hopes to encourage Thai investors to put their money in the Philippines.
He said the prospective PPP investments in the country’s infrastructure development would facilitate the generation of more jobs for Filipinos as well as ease pressure on government funds, which could instead be used to enhance social services.
The President noted that Thailand is the country’s 9th largest trading partner in 2010 and expressed hope his visit will further expand trade relations and reap more benefits for the nation.
He said better economic relations with Thailand would facilitate growth of the Philippine economy as well as improve the plight of Filipinos back home.
In his meeting with Abhisit, the President also intended to raise the need for enhanced cooperation on education, agriculture, and combating drug trafficking.
“We will also discuss how to improve our preparation during calamities especially since our country is often hit by natural calamities,” he added.
After his day of full meetings, Aquino was scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister at the Government House last Thursday night.
On Friday, the President said he would also check on the condition of the Filipino workers here during an assembly on the second day of his tour.
Aquino said he wanted to thank the Filipino community for their hard work in improving the lives of their families back home as well as contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
“I will also thank Thailand for giving our countrymen an opportunity to work in their country,” he said.
Aquino said he expects his visit to Thailand would be productive, adding he cannot wait to return to Manila and report the good news about the trip. He is expected to return to Manila on Friday.
Before the President left with his 52-man delegation, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. said funding for the foreign trip expenses has been pegged at P4.5 million.
The amount covers expenses for air fare, hotel accommodation, food, transportation, and telecommunications and equipment requirements.
The official delegation includes Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.
Other officials who are part of the presidential delegation are Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Linglingay Lacanlale, Chief of Protocol and Presidential Assistant for Foreign Affairs Miguel
Perez-Rubio, Energy Undersecretary Josefina Patricia Asirit, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Cristina Ortega and Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.
Prior to his departure, Aquino warned government officials to ensure that everything is put in place for the heavy rainfall from typhoon “Chedeng.”
He said there will be government officials who will be held accountable if preparations for the typhoon were put to naught. (With a report by Madel R. Sabater)
Published on May 26, 2011 – Manila Bulletin
