BANGKOK, Sept 4 — The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah last night expressed the hope that his state visit to Thailand would enhance bilateral relations.
Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah, said the direction and future of Malaysia and Thailand, as neighbours, were mutually inter-connected.
“This promotes closer relations and friendship,” His Majesty said in his reciprocal speech at the state banquet hosted by the Crown Prince of Thailand, Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, at the Grand Palace, here.
Earlier, Tuanku Abdul Halim and Tuanku Hajah Haminah were welcomed by Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and the national anthems of the two countries were played.
Tuanku Abdul Halim said he was happy that the 56 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Thailand had brought peace and prosperity to the two countries.
“I am confident that Malaysia and Thailand will continue to enhance bilateral relations and expand regional cooperation, especially with the creation of an Asean community by 2015,” he said.
Tuanku Abdul Halim also recorded his thanks and appreciation to the King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, for ‘The Knight of the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri’ bestowed on him and ‘The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao’ conferred on the Raja Permaisuri Agong.
His Majesty said he was confident the bestowing of the awards would enhance the close relationship between the two countries.
Earlier, in his speech, Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn expressed his happiness over their Majesties visit to Thailand which he said would further boost bilateral ties.
He said Malaysia and Thailand were neighbours endowed with a close friendship and it was based on the solid foundation of independence, liberty, honesty and fairness.
“The relationship thus greatly contributes to mutual understanding and cooperation at all levels in various fields,” he said.
Tuanku Abdul Halim and Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrived here on Monday for a three-day state visit to Thailand. — Bernama
