Thailand, Philippines vow to boost military cooperation to address security issues

Thailand and the Philippines pledged here on Tuesday to boost military cooperation between the two countries to address security issues like terrorism and illegal drugs.

The pledge was made at a joint press conference after the meeting between Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Xinhua reported.

"We stress the need to address traditional and emerging threats to our collective security and stability. This includes transnational crimes such as terrorism and violent extremism, piracy at sea as well as the trafficking of persons and illicit drugs," Duterte told the press.

Thailand, like the Philippines, continues to wrestle with the spread of illegal drugs.

During their meeting, the two leaders also believed that the South China Sea should be a sea of peace, stability and sustainable development" for the sake of the region and its peoples.

The two also witnessed the signing of agreements on tourism, agriculture as well as science and technology aimed at boosting economic growth in their countries.

This is Duterte's first official visit to Thailand.

--IANS

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