The Indonesian and Thai governments agree to improve cooperation in research and development sector in order to contribute to ASEAN food security.
“We decided to make the contribution to regional food security and the cooperation in rice supplies could be continued,” President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a press conference at Merdeka Palace on Monday along with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Sinawatra.
The president said that Thailand has an advance technology in agro industries to enhance investment cooperation in research and development.
Minister of Agriculture Suswono accompanying the President in welcoming PM Yingluck noted that Indonesia and Thailand already have a working group in research and investment and it is being developed.
Regarding the ASEAN food security, Suswono said the Association of South East Asian Nations will establish a charter on food reserve procurement during an emergency.
“There are 780 thousand tons of food for all ASEAN +3 members. The agreement will be signed in October and the reserve food only for an emergency. Indonesia has to provide 12 thousand tons and all members can access in time of need. The reserve is always available and ready,” he said.
The reserve food is for use in an emergency such as natural disasters.
PM Yingluck Sinawatra’s one day visit is part of her first foreign visit. She was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichhakchaikul, Thai Ambassador for Indonesia Thanatip Upatising and other officials.
She arrived in Jakarta on Monday at 9.15 AM and left for Bangkok at 2.30 PM. After the bilateral meeting, she attended a lunch reception at Merdeka Palace and visited the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery.
