|
The
agreement, details of which have yet to be disclosed, would
facilitate transfers of defense hardware and technology from
Japan to Thailand, which has one of the region's biggest and
most equipped militaries.
Noriyuki Shikata, Japan's Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs,
told reporters the two leaders were also expected to sign an
agreement to improve customs procedures in Thailand, where Japan
is the biggest investor, while Tokyo would extend a 50 billion
yen ($384.79 million) loan to support Thailand's COVID
mitigation efforts.
Southeast Asia has for decades been a strategic region for
Japan, hosting some of the biggest names in industry, from
infrastructure, engineering and industrial zones to the
manufacturing of vehicles and electronics.
The region remains a key battleground between the United States,
Japan's close ally, and its closest rival China, Southeast
Asia's biggest trade partner.
Kishida was due to meet Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha late
afternoon on Monday, before drawing the curtain on a short tour
that saw stops in Vietnam and Indonesia, where Japan is a also a
major investor.
Shikata said Kishida would discuss with Prayuth the position of
Southeast Asian countries on the conflict in Ukraine and express
Japan's support for the region's efforts to address the crisis
in Myanmar following a coup last year.
($1 = 129.9400 yen)
(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Martin Petty)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
