During a bilateral meeting on July 25, 2024, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation, particularly in the private sector, to boost trade and investment. Key areas of focus include food and energy security.
Both ministers emphasized ASEAN’s crucial role in restoring peace and stability in Myanmar. Indonesia, as the current ASEAN chair, highlighted the need for a political solution to the crisis, supporting Thailand’s involvement due to its proximity and influence as a neighboring country.
The discussion included establishing an ASEAN special envoy’s office to coordinate efforts and stressed the importance of adhering to the ASEAN Charter’s principles, including the five-point consensus aimed at resolving the Myanmar situation.
Additionally, Minister Maris met with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn to discuss enhancing ASEAN’s unity and addressing regional challenges. They also talked about supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN through capacity-building initiatives and other supportive measures.
Both ministers emphasized ASEAN’s crucial role in restoring peace and stability in Myanmar. Indonesia, as the current ASEAN chair, highlighted the need for a political solution to the crisis, supporting Thailand’s involvement due to its proximity and influence as a neighboring country.
They discussed establishing an ASEAN special envoy’s office to coordinate efforts and stressed the importance of adhering to the ASEAN Charter’s principles, including the five-point consensus aimed at resolving the Myanmar situation.
Additionally, Minister Maris met with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn to discuss enhancing ASEAN’s unity and addressing regional challenges. They also talked about supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN through capacity-building initiatives and other supportive measures.
Minister Maris and his Indonesian counterpart reiterated the significance of ASEAN’s role in maintaining regional peace and stability. They underscored the need for a unified ASEAN response to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the ASEAN Charter’s principles, including the five-point consensus aimed at resolving the situation.
During their meeting, they also discussed the potential for enhanced cooperation in food and energy security, recognizing these sectors as critical for both nations’ economic stability. The ministers highlighted the necessity of private sector involvement in driving trade and investment between Thailand and Indonesia.
Minister Maris also engaged in a discussion with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, focusing on strategies to bolster ASEAN’s unity and address regional challenges. They explored ways to support Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN through various capacity-building initiatives and other supportive measures, ensuring a smooth integration process for the new member state.
