'ASEAN-India summit will be a milestone'

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, NOV. 25. The Thai Prime Minister, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, has hailed the proposed ASEAN-India summit as a ``major milestone'', which indicated that both sides recognised each other as ``reliable, meaningful, independent and equal'' partners.

Mr. Thaksin, who arrives in Bangalore today on the first-leg of his India visit, said in written responses to questions put earlier by The Hindu that Thailand would welcome bilateral consultations and exchange of security- related information in the war against terrorism. ``Thailand has always recognised the threat of terrorism to the peace, security, progress and development of all nations across international borders. Combating terrorism in all forms must be part of a worldwide regional effort.''

Welcoming the anti-terrorist actions at both the bilateral and multi-lateral level, he said, ``Improving security and judicial processes between India and Thailand will be new areas for greater cooperation in the future.''

He hoped that his visit, the first by a Thai Prime Minister in 12 years, would map out a broad strategy for regional and economic cooperation. As examples, he referred to a possible rice trade agreement, exploration of an India-Thailand free trade arrangement and a payment arrangement for specific commodities or an account trade arrangement. Mr. Thaksin, who came to power with a whopping majority earlier this year, said India was Thailand's ``major partner'' in its relationship with South Asia given the ``long-standing historical and cultural ties'' between the countries. Thailand welcomed an Indian role in the promotion of ``peace, progress and development'' in Southeast Asia. ``India is an integral and highly-significant player in Asia and the world. It is therefore only natural that ASEAN should engage India on a regional basis as a dialogue partner. On our part, Thailand has always supported the idea of an ASEAN-India summit.''

Referring to the ASEAN decision earlier this month to invite India for a summit, he said that Southeast Asian nations looked forward to enhancing cooperation and dialogue with India.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Final push for Kunduz anytime now
Next     : Human embryo cloned