Thai PM may visit Philippines this year

MANILA, Philippines — Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to visit the Philippines this year, Thailand’s top diplomat said yesterday.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa was on his first visit to the Philippines since assuming his position on May 3.

Two governments are preparing for Srettha’s visit this year, he noted.

The Philippines and Thailand are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his counterpart discussed the convening of the 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, which will be hosted by Thailand later this year.

The foreign ministers also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on trade and investments, tourism, education, food security, defense and renewable energy.

Manalo and Maris also discussed regional issues such as transnational crimes, human trafficking and cybercrimes.

They also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, the South China Sea and Gaza.

“I briefed the Foreign Minister on current developments in the South China Sea and I reiterated that the Philippine position has been consistent, clear and firmly anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” Manalo said.

Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ continued commitment to the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and ASEAN’s goal of peace and stability in the region.

As for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the two countries affirmed the need for peace in the region.

Manalo expressed the Philippines’ firm support for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

He also expressed condolences on the passing of Thai nationals held hostage in Gaza.

Manalo asked Thailand for its support for a Philippine-led resolution at the 56th UN Human Rights Council Session on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of Seafarers, noting the current situation of board merchant vessels plying the Red Sea.