Sri Lanka – Thailand focus on enhancing defence and security ties
Enhancing defence and security relations between Sri Lanka and
Thailand was emphasised when Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck
Shinawatra called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential
Secretariat in Colombo last morning.
“Sharing our experience and expertise in these fields will no doubt
contribute to eradicating terrorism and other security threats in the
region,” President Rajapaksa said, emphasising the close co-operation
between the two countries in security related information and
intelligence sharing.
As maritime nations, we should work towards strengthening our
maritime security capabilities, President Rajapaksa said while Prime
Minister Shinawatra agreed by saying maritime cooperation between
nations is necessary to maintain peace and security in the region.
“Thailand will have better connectivity with Myanmar leading to a
corridor for better association for ASEAN and India, which can benefit
Sri Lanka too’’, the Prime Minister added. The President said Sri Lanka
much appreciates the Thai government’s firm support extended to us, at
both the 19th and 22nd Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council.
In the context of the complex issues Sri Lanka had to deal with, we
should be entitled to have time and space to proceed with a dedicated
process of national reconciliation. We also seek the assistance and
understanding of Thailand in mitigating undue pressure directed at Sri
Lanka in both international and regional fora, the President added.
President Rajapaksa pledged Sri Lanka’s assistance for Thailand’s
candidacy as a member of the Human Rights Council in the period, 2015 –
2017.
“Sri Lanka is now emerging as a competitive and vibrant destination
for trade and investment. There are many opportunities in the area since
May 2009. It is the right time to consider joint investments between our
investors and invite the Thai government to invest in our government
debentures,” President further said.
Thai Prime Minister said her government will encourage Thai investors
to make use of the opportunities that Sri Lanka has to offer.
We also should work closely in promoting more business opportunities
in the small and medium industrial sector.
“We share same cultural and religious values and also the commitment
to peace and democracy,” Prime Minister Shinawatra said. Sri Lanka had
made great strides under your able leadership, she told President.
“Thailand will always extend support to maintain peace and stability
in Sri Lanka,” the Prime Minister added.
The Thai Prime Minister offered 260 scholarships to Sri Lanka to mark
the 260th anniversary of the establishment of Siyam Nikaya in the areas
of development close to the people.
Following bilateral discussions, Sri Lanka and Thailand signed four
Memorandum of Understandings on visa exemption for diplomats and
official passport holders, tourism cooperation, scientific and
technological cooperation and commerce and banking cooperation.
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