New York (The Nation/ANN) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra voiced support for Myanmar's reforms and called on the international community to help the country move forward during her speech at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday.
"We must all work together as partners to help Myanmar continue in this process of change. We will all benefit from this economic cooperation and integration," she said.
In an age of globalisation, the concept of absolute security has become obsolete, she said, explaining that true peace cannot be achieved in isolation. Countries can only seek peace through common security and stability, and hence nations in each region should work together to strengthen their capacity to meet their development goals.
"We believe that the peace and prosperity of our neighbours is that of our own," the prime minister said. "It is particularly relevant in Myanmar, especially during this critical period of transition towards greater democracy, which is fully supported by Thailand."
Yingluck's government has been paying a lot of attention to Myanmar and is making a serious effort to introduce development that is mutually beneficial.
Yingluck met with Myanmar President Thein Sein on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York earlier this week to discuss ways to bring about the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Myanmar to promote connectivity and development in Asean.
Economic development must go hand in hand with political advancement, she said, adding that any strategy to promote growth must put people first.
"In this period of economic uncertainty, we must not consider economic growth alone. It is important to put people at the front and centre of the development agenda," she said.
Yingluck also said inclusive regional development was the way forward and would strengthen the fabric of regional peace.
