PM Razak visits Indonesia, discusses cooperation agreements on areas like tourism, energy, and high technology; Sixth Special Joint Commission between Malaysia and Kyrgyz Republic takes place in Bishkek; State of emergency lifted in Bangkok
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    • Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was in Indonesia from April 22-24 and met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Both the leaders discussed issues of mutual concern, including measures to take forward cooperation in sectors such as tourism, oil and gas, high technology industries and defence cooperation1. Both the states also explored the possibilities of exploring the opening of new air routes with a view to promoting tourism. They agreed to jointly cooperate in stemming the illegal immigration of their citizens to Australia by boats2.

    The Sixth Special Joint Commission meeting between officials from Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic was held in Bishkek. Both parties agreed to explore possibilities of cooperation in areas like finance, science and technology, tourism, health and education3.

    In Thailand, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lifted the state of emergency on April 24, and hoped that the decision would foster reconciliation. The state of emergency was imposed in Bangkok and five neighboring provinces on April 12 after anti-government demonstrations led to the postponement of the ASEAN summit at Pattaya4. Reports however noted that the opposition had not given up on its stance on seeking the removal of PM Abhisit5. Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on his part asserted that criminal charges against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will stay despite PM Abhisit’s plan to grant amnesty to opposition activists6. Meanwhile, the government of UAE, where Mr. Shinawatra was residing at present, has agreed to cooperate with the Thai government in seeking to extradite him7.

    In related developments, the internal security situation in Thailand took a turn for the worse after militants struck at 11 places on April 26 in five districts of Narathiwat province8.

    At the UN Summit on Racism in Geneva on April 21, Indonesia urged other countries to take a strong stance on anti-discrimination measures for migrant workers9.

    India and Myanmar finalised a deal under which New Delhi will import 37,000 tonnes of pulses10. Reports also noted that NHPC, India’s largest hydropower firm, is planning to build hydroelectric power projects in Myanmar and Bhutan11.

    Meanwhile, joint military offensive on Karen National Union (KNU) army camp at Waw Lay Khee by the Burmese Army and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) was temporarily suspended12.

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