Bangkok: The Prime Minister warmly bid farewell to the Ambassador of Brunei, emphasizing the long-standing friendship and pledging to continue cooperation between Thailand and Brunei in all dimensions. His Excellency Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Thailand, paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul upon the completion of his term. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew and Minister of Energy Ekanat Promphan.
According to Thai News Agency, following the discussions, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Prime Minister extended a warm and cordial welcome to the Ambassador of Brunei, expressing gratitude for his significant role in promoting the good relations and cooperation between Thailand and Brunei throughout his more than four years in office.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister conveyed his regards and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, expressing his appreciation for the audience he had with His Majesty during the APEC meeting in South Korea and the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. He also congratulated Prince Abdul Matin on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei.
The Ambassador of Brunei expressed his condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida, and thanked the Thai government for its cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He also expressed confidence that the new Ambassador of Brunei would continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and achieve even more tangible results. Both sides exchanged views on ways to promote cooperation on key issues.
Both sides agreed that economic relations between Thailand and Brunei have significant potential for further growth, particularly in trade, investment, and business linkages. This includes areas where both countries have strengths and can support each other effectively, such as food security, energy security, and the halal food industry. These initiatives aim to create added economic value, strengthen supply chain security, open new business opportunities for the private sector, and improve the quality of life for the people of both countries.
Both sides welcomed the progress of the Double Taxation Agreement between Thailand and Brunei, which is ready for signing by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. This agreement is seen as an important mechanism to facilitate business, enhance investor confidence, and promote future economic growth between the two nations.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister proposed promoting cooperation in trade and investment in areas with mutual potential, particularly the import of fertilizers from Brunei's energy sector. This involves converting natural gas, Brunei's main resource, into urea fertilizer, which would increase options for agricultural inputs, support cost reduction for Thai farmers, and enhance food security in both countries. Both sides may consider utilizing double taxation avoidance agreements to support such cooperation.
Finally, the Prime Minister expressed his intention to pay an official visit to Brunei at a suitable opportunity to further the strong cooperation and friendship between the two countries. He also wished the Ambassador of Brunei happiness and success in his retirement, reiterating that the Ambassador would always be a good friend of Thailand and would be welcome back to visit Thailand at any time.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of Brunei presented the Prime Minister with a "kris," an important cultural symbol of Brunei and the Malay people, as a memento. In return, the Prime Minister offered Benjarong porcelain and other items as a token of exchange, reflecting Thai tradition and beliefs surrounding the kris as a sharp object. This exchange symbolizes auspiciousness, lasting friendship, and the respect, goodwill, and close relationship between Thailand and Brunei that has existed for a long time.
'Thailand and Brunei enjoy strong ties based on friendship, trust, and close cooperation that has lasted for a long time. The Thai government is ready to continue cooperation with Brunei in all dimensions to create economic opportunities, enhance security, and improve the quality of life for the people of both countries, ensuring sustainable growth together,' Ms. Rachada said.