Thai, Japanese PMs confer on bilateral economic cooperation

TOKYO, Nov 7 (TNA) -- Visiting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will meet with his Japanese counterpart Yukio Hatoyama Saturday evening to discuss bilateral economic cooperation. The two government leaders are expected to confer regarding the economy, which would pave the way to boost the value of goods exported to both countries. Mr. Abhisit, now attending the two-day Japan-Mekong summit meeting in Tokyo ending Saturday, is scheduled to meet Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada prior to meeting the Japanese government leader. Government leaders of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar have joined Japan at the meeting as host Japan has pledged 500 billion yen (US$5.6 billion) in fresh aid to the Mekong region. The leaders issued a “Tokyo Declaration” committing Japan’s help for 63 projects in the region, including developing ports, airports and power lines, encouraging private sector investment and inviting 30,000 people, including children, to visit Japan to promote exchange and understanding over the next three years. Mr. Abhisit is scheduled to return to Bangkok late Saturday. (TNA)