PHL, Thailand seek greater cooperation in teacher exchanges, fight vs. illegal drugs

The governments of the Philippines and Thailand on Friday agreed to work on strengthening their cooperation in the field of education and the fight against illegal drugs.

During an expanded bilateral meeting in Malacañang, President Benigno Aquino III and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha committed to work towards the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs.

In his statement after the meeting, Aquino said the MOU will allow the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to work closely with the Royal Thai Police to combat illegal drug trade.

“As part of our efforts, coordinated operations between Philippine and Thai agencies will be conducted; and through this process, we look forward to sharing information between our relevant law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Aquino also shared that he tackled with Thai leader the possible signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Exchanges of Professional Teachers, which seeks to “further enhance the capabilities and competencies of both our Filipino and Thai teachers.”

“Both the Prime Minister and I recognize that education is of prime importance in developing the abilities of our peoples, so that they themselves may have the wherewithal to fulfill their aspirations for their families, their communities, and the future we share as brother nations,” Aquino said.

Expand bilateral trade

The two leaders also sought the expansion of bilateral trade between their countries.

Aquino noted how Thai enterprises—such as Siam Cement Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation, and Dusit International—have already maintained active operations in the Philippines.

Similarly, the Philippine leader said Philippine companies such as San Miguel Corporation, Liwayway Food Industries Company Limited, Goldilocks, and Monde Nissin have established their presence in Thailand.

“We took note of how these companies have continued to expand in our respective countries, because of the sustained support that our governments and peoples have given them,” Aquino said.

Prayut, for his part, described the Philippines as the “new rising star of the region,” while lauding economic gains under the Aquino’s government.

Because of this, Prayut said Thai investors have already “expressed confidence in the potential of the Philippines’ economy and interest in expanding investment in the Philippines.”

“I extended them my support in this regard. I also seek the support from President Aquino in this matter,” the Thai leader said. —KBK, GMA News