Thai PM visits Philippines

Visiting Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont committed to speed up the restoration of political normalcy in his country during talks with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Monday in Manila.

"Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that with your support, the Royal Thai government is determined to expedite Thailand's path to the full restoration and revitalization of democracy," Surayud said during his talks with Arroyo at the Malacanang Presidential Palace.

Arroyo earlier expressed the Philippines' and the international community's desire for Thailand to return to political normalcy after martial law was imposed as former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a bloodless coup last month.

"We had a very excellent and candid discussion with us, very enlightening discussion Your Excellency and we would like to congratulate as you very clearly presented your roadmap to constitutional democracy which you hope to complete within a year's time," Arroyo said in the talks with Surayud.

Surayud also expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome by Arroyo and the Filipino people on his first visit to the country.

"It is an honor to be here to meet and discuss with Her Excellency (Arroyo) issues of mutual interest and to enjoy the traditional hospitality," Surayud said.

Surayud expressed support for Arroyo's call for continuous inter-faith dialogue and other initiatives as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"May I say how much I am impressed by your visionary role in pioneering the interfaith dialogue," he said. "Your initiative regarding alternative energy sources will indeed make a difference for the poor and developing countries."

Surayud also assured Arroyo of full support for the upcoming ASEAN summits in Cebu this December.

As part of his familiarization work of the ASEAN fellow members, Surayud arrived Monday for a five hour visit to Manila.

Trade volume between the Philippines and Thailand reached a record high of 2.89 billion U.S. dollars last year and more than 7, 000 Filipinos working and residing in Thailand and 1,200 Thais are living in the Philippines.

Source: Xinhua