Defense minister’s visit to India paves way for premier's trip next month

supawadee wangsri

BANGKOK, 18 March 2016 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has paid an official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian Ministry of Defense during March 17-18, 2016.

Defense Ministry spokesman Khongsheep Tantrawanit said the Thai defense minister met with Thai officials stationed in India to stress on the government’s most urgent goals and called on them to work for the government's 20- years plan, which seeks to lay foundation for national development and to establish Thailand as India’s gateway to ASEAN. He also told them to create an understanding among the Indians that Thailand is still on the path towards democracy.

The defense minister met with Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari who lauded Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who is soon to be presented India’s World Sanskrit Award.

Speaking on the 70 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India, the vice president stated that both countries have potentials to enhance their ties and cooperation. He noted that India’s Act East policy complements Thailand’s Look West policy.

The Thai defense minister also met with Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, to discuss international threats such as narcotics trafficking, terrorism and cyber-crime. The two sides resolved to establish a joint commission to deal with security threats. Gen Prawit met with his counterpart Monohar Parrikar to discuss military cooperation issues.

His India visit was meant to lay groundwork for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s official visit to the South Asian country scheduled for next month.

-- NNT 2016-03-18

Prayut should bring a copy of Meechai's latest draft constitution for PM Modi.

It would surely serve as an ice breaker in his first meeting.