Myanmar and Thailand Cooperation: 8th High-Level Committee Meeting held in Thandwe

The 8th High-Level Committee Meeting between Myanmar and Thai armed forces hosted by Myanmar was held at the Jasmine Ngapali Resort in Thandwe, Rakhine State on Friday.

Before the meeting, Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces General Chalermphon Srisawasdi held separate talks and discussed future work programs between the two armies.

It was followed by the 8th High-Level Committee Meeting between Myanmar and Thai armed forces where Co-chair of Myanmar the Senior General said that as Myanmar and Thailand are neighboring countries, strong and friendly relations have been established since ancient times.

With the aim to boost friendly relations between the two armed forces, the High-Level Committee Meetings have been held since 2013. The Senior General expressed his belief that this meeting will build more trust, understanding and friendship between the two armies.

He affirmed that more efforts will be made for better relations and cooperation of the two armed forces.  Later, Co-chair of Thailand the Chief of Thai Defence Forces said that during the past two years, joint meetings could not be held due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 but he always prioritized to cooperation with the Myanmar armed forces.

During the outbreak of COVID-19, medical cooperation could be made. By holding the High Level Committee Meeting between the two armed forces, the ways and policies for cooperation can be adopted as well as the troops in the border region will continue to cooperate according to the adopted rules.

He expressed his belief that it can be made for the safety of life and property as well as development of the people of the two countries along the border area. Thailand will continue to promote the existing relations and partnership cooperation between the two countries and efforts will be made to ensure that Thailand and Myanmar armed forces continue to exist as a good friend forever.

Later, the Senior General and the Chief of Thai Defence Forces approved the meeting agendas. After that, Lt-Gen Khin Hlaing of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) reported the outcomes of the 34th Myanmar-Thailand Regional Border Committee Meeting and cooperation between the two armed forces.

Later, the Chief of Military Security Affairs Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo reported on the matters discussed at the 8th High Level Committee Meeting. The Senior General and the Chief of Thai Defence Forces approved and signed the meeting agreements and then, they exchanged commemorative badges.

After concluding remarks, the Senior General and the Chief of Thai Defence Forces friendly greeted senior military officials of the two countries. Through this meeting, the matters on friendship between the two armed forces, ensuring peace and stability among the people from border area of the two countries, preventive measures against natural disaster, narcotic drug elimination and preventive measures were discussed in constructive manner.

After the meeting, the Senior General and wife hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation led the Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and wife.