Beijing, China
10 November 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha both expressed desire to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations in a meeting held at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said the two leaders agreed to allot greater focus on the support of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local farmers. They also exchanged views on the best practices in instituting government reforms. Following this, President Aquino was also briefed by the Prime Minister on the new Thai government in terms of their effort to return to democracy.

On a multilateral basis, both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in both ASEAN and APEC.

President Aquino also took the opportunity to personally thank the people of Thailand through Prime Minister Chan-o-cha for their aid and assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Joining the Prime Minister Chan-o-cha were Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Don Pramudwinai, Thailand Ambassador to China Wiboon Khusakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Gen Wilas Aroonsri, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

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