Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-o-cha pledged to promote the two countries’ relations in security and economics fields during their talks in Tokyo on February 9.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their resolve to maintain and develop the two nations’ strategic partnership based on their long-lasting friendship.

They agreed to boost security and national defence ties via such activities as the Cobra Gold miliary exercise, an annual drill that began on February 9 in Thailand with the participation of the two countries and the US , among others.

They also confirmed collaboration in counter-terrorism.

PM Abe urged his Thai counterpart to restore civil democratic government in Thailand to ensure its long-term stability.

The two sides also talked Japan ’s involvement in developing railway and infrastructure systems in Thailand .

PM Prayuth affirmed Bangkok ’s resolve to improve the domestic business environment and create all possible favourable conditions for Japanese businesses to make long-term investment.

Meanwhile, PM Abe asked Thailand to remove import restrictions against Japanese food which Thailand has imposed since 2011 following the nuclear plant accident.

The two leaders discussed international issues of mutual concerns and vowed to make more contributions to regional development and the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015.

Prime Minister Prayuth is on a three-day visit to Japan starting from February 8.-VNA