Indonesia, Thailand Agree to Strengthen Multisectoral Cooperation
President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, deliver a joint press statement after holding a series of bilateral meetings at the Government House in Bangkok, Monday (05/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (05/19) paid an official visit to Thailand. The President was welcomed by Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at the Government House in Bangkok.
The historic visit not only marked the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Thailand, but also established a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two friendly nations.
“It is an honor for me to welcome His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia on his first official visit to Thailand,” PM Paetongtarn said during the joint press statement following their meeting.
On that occasion, the two leaders jointly led the 1st Leaders’ Consultation, which is expected to become a regular mechanism for exchanging views and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
“President Prabowo and I have had constructive discussions in a friendly atmosphere. We co-chaired the first Leaders’ Consultation, which will serve as a regular mechanism for the exchange of views between the leaders of Indonesia and Thailand in years to come,” PM Paetongtarn stated.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of the formation of a strategic partnership between Indonesia and Thailand. In the political and security sectors, both countries agreed to increase the frequency of high-level visits and to make use of existing bilateral mechanisms. The foreign ministers of both countries were tasked with preparing a strategic partnership action plan to ensure concrete cooperation results.
Thailand and Indonesia are also committed to strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking and illegal gambling, as well as other security collaborations. In the economic sector, the two leaders agreed to boost bilateral trade volume, investment, and tourism.
“In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached US$ 18 billion. However, given the size of our markets and connectivity, there is much room for growth that would benefit the people of both countries and the wider ASEAN region,” PM Paetongtarn said.
Thailand also expressed readiness to host the first Joint Trade Commission meeting this year to discuss the expansion of trade potential between the two countries. Furthermore, investment agencies and the private sector were encouraged to explore further cooperation opportunities.
“I thank President Prabowo for his support, including his support for Thai companies in Indonesia. I also ask for assistance in ensuring fair treatment and smooth investment practices,” she added.
In the area of food security cooperation, the two countries will promote trade of agricultural products, develop halal industry, and explore cooperation in sustainable fisheries and renewable green energy. People-to-people relations were also a shared concern, with both countries agreeing to increase two-way tourism, including cruise tourism, medical tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
At the regional level, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality in facing global geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics. Regarding the Myanmar issue, Thailand, alongside Indonesia and Malaysia, will work to encourage an inclusive peace process.
“We share common interests on the Myanmar issue. We will work together with Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, to restore peace in Myanmar with ASEAN playing a central role,” she stated.
Concluding her remarks, PM Paetongtarn expressed hope to make a reciprocal visit to Indonesia soon.
“Allow me once again to thank Mr. Prabowo for his friendship, and I look forward to visiting Indonesia in the near future,” PM Paetongtarn remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/MMB)
