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SINGAPORE : Singapore and Thailand would like to see further cooperation in more areas, especially people-to-people exchanges. This was stressed during a meeting between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Thai counterpart, Samak Sundaravej.
Mr Samak is here for an official three-day visit, his first to Singapore since he was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 6.
The visit reaffirms the strong friendship between both countries.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed developments in Thailand and the region, and agreed to work more closely to further ties, especially in trade and people-to-people relations.
Bilateral trade reached over S$30 billion last year, and Mr Lee said he hopes new areas of cooperation will be developed through the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship.
Relations have also been boosted by a regular civil service training programme. This was halted briefly following the visit of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra last year, but will resume later this year.
Meanwhile, Mr Samak also met President S R Nathan, and they talked about the long-standing ties that bind both countries.
Singapore's friendship with Thailand began in 1871 with the visit of King Chulalongkorn. Since then, leaders say, it has gone from strength to strength.
Mr Samak also met Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean.
However, the trip was not just about official business. The Thai leader had requested a taste of Singapore's food culture, and got that when he toured the Tiong Bahru market. And he proved to be quite a food-lover too!
Mr Samak said, "My favourite (dish) is fried rice, we call it 'fried rice, governor style'. But now I am not the governor anymore, I call it 'fried rice, ex-governor style!'"
Since taking over as the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Samak has also visited Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. - CNA/ms
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