| 泰国和马来西亚同意建立安全合作关系-1 The agreement between Malaysia and Thailand followed a two-day visit by Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdulah Badawi to Thailand, and marked a major turning point in bilateral relations that soured during the former Thai government of Thaksin Shinawatra. During formal talks in Bangkok, Mr. Abdualah and Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanot included measures to develop the border areas with Malaysia offering to assist Thailand in Islamic education studies. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Abdullah, expressed concern the violence in the Thai provinces bordering Malaysia remained a threat. "Southern Thailand is a big concern to us," he said. "We intend to cooperate in whatever way we can so that together we can help to reduce the situation - which at the moment is one of threat to the peace and stability of Southern Thailand." Since attacks escalated in early 2004, bloodshed has claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people. Bilateral relations soured in 2004 amid an escalation of violence and a harder-line policy by the Thaksin government. Mr. Thaksin also accused Malaysia of harboring insurgents. Mr. Surayud, who replaced Thaksin after a September coup, said a peaceful resolution to the violence was necessary for the region's economic progress. He said, "Both prime ministers agreed that peace, security and stability in the southern part of Thailand are relevant and important to the northern most part states of peninsular Malaysia and vice versa." |
