President Moon Jae-in held a summit with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand, who is visiting Busan to attend the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. Their 40-minute meeting began at 9:40 a.m. today.

President Moon and Prime Minister Prayut reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation for mutual prosperity. They also discussed at length ways to elevate collaboration in such areas as investment, infrastructure, water management, science & technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Moon said, “I hope more Korean businesses will be able to participate in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development project as part of the Thailand 4.0 Policy, which promotes the construction of roads, rail lines, and a new airport.”

In reply, Prime Minister Prayut said he was pleased at the signing of an MOU on EEC investment and cooperation. He noted that a promise between the two leaders to expedite implementation made this concrete outcome possible.

Prime Minister Prayut added that the Thai Government will provide all possible conveniences to Korean investors who excel in innovative industries related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as automobiles, electric vehicles, digital robots and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Prime Minister expressed his hope for mutual advancement through cooperation in various areas.

The EEC development plan, a part of Thailand 4.0 Policy, aims to build large-scale infrastructure, foster 12 future industries and attract smart cities by 2021 in three states southeast of Bangkok that were selected as special economic zones to attract foreign investment.

Meanwhile, President Moon commented on the ceremony to incorporate frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, which was delivered by a Korean company this past October, into the Royal Thai Navy of Thailand: “I’m confident the Korean-made frigate will be recognized for its excellence and will help to enhance Thailand’s defense capabilities.” The President also expressed his hope for the strengthening of cooperation in national defense and the defense industry going forward.

Speaking of the second P4G Summit to be held in Seoul at the end of June next year, President Moon said, “A special event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the P4G Summit, and I hope the Prime Minister will be able to attend the event.”

Prime Minister Prayut expressed his support for the President’s efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the peace process, stressing that Thailand will stand together to help achieve this goal.

Finally, Prime Minister Prayut said he ate two Korean meals upon his arrival in Korea yesterday. The Prime Minister expressed special affection for Korean cuisine, saying both he and his daughter love Korean food so much that they prepare them for themselves.