BANGKOK (Dec 13): Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will make her first visit to Malaysia from Dec 15 to 16 to attend the 7th annual consultation, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and fostering regional cooperation.

Thailand’s deputy government spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said the visit reflects a shared commitment to achieving “common peace and prosperity” for the benefit of citizens in both countries.

“The discussions will focus on advancing cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, and economic growth, with the ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027,” she said in a statement on Friday.

She said Paetongtarn will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office, on Monday (Dec 16), before proceeding to the consultation meeting. 

Both leaders are expected to witness the signing of agreements, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs), to strengthen cooperation in various sectors. This will be followed by a joint press statement and a luncheon hosted by the Malaysian prime minister.

Paetongtarn will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and Prime Minister’s secretary general Prommin Lertsuridej.

The visit highlights the enduring partnership between Thailand and Malaysia, and underscores their shared commitment to achieving tangible progress across multiple sectors.

In 2023, Malaysia was Thailand’s second largest trading partner within Asean, and sixth largest globally, with total trade valued at US$24.83 billion (RM113.16 billion).

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