PM Anwar, Paetongtarn committed to collectively handling US tariff issue at ASEAN level
17/04/2025
PM Anwar, Paetongtarn committed to collectively handling US tariff issue at ASEAN level
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) is welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Thai Government House in conjunction with his working visit to Thailand, today. - BERNAMA Photo
BANGKOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, confirmed their respective commitments to address the United States (US) tariff issue collectively at the ASEAN level.
Anwar, who is currently on a two-day working visit to Thailand, said delegations from Malaysia and Thailand discussed the matter during their bilateral meeting.
"We also discussed the issue of US tariffs and are committed to addressing it collectively at the ASEAN level through a fair and sustainable negotiation framework," said the Prime Minister during a bilateral meeting with Paetongtarn at Government House, here, today.
Anwar expressed his appreciation to the Thai prime minister for his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
"I appreciate the Thai government's willingness to continue to advance existing agreements, especially those aimed at boosting the economies of northern Malaysia and southern Thailand.
"With Thailand now Malaysia's sixth largest trading partner with trade exceeding US$25 billion last year, this initiative will help us achieve the US$30 billion target by 2027," he said.
Earlier, Anwar and Paetongtarn witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the construction agreement (CA) for the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge Project.
Meanwhile, at a later press conference, Paetongtarn said three main topics were discussed with Anwar, namely the Golok River Bridge project, peace in Thailand's southern region and US tariffs.
Regarding the Sungai Golok Bridge, he said construction was underway and expected to be completed on schedule.
"For peace in southern Thailand, we ask for Malaysia's cooperation, with a primary focus on economic development. This includes initiatives such as halal food production and the Rubber City project.
"We agree to transform the 'battlefield' into a 'trade field' to promote cooperation and mutual economic benefits," he said.
Paetongtarn said the two leaders also discussed how ASEAN member states could collectively respond to US tariffs.
"ASEAN has a large population and great potential if we act together. We also explored the different strategies taken by each country and agreed that each country will proceed with its own approach," he said.
-- BERNAMA
