Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia and Thailand will setup “strong villages” along the border with the aim of strengthening bordersecurity cooperation as well as boosting the local population’s socio-economicdevelopment.
The programme will be probably implemented in January nextyear.
Malaysian Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain said theproposal was brought up by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai ArmyGeneral Narongpan Jittkaewtae during a meeting here.
Zamrose said besides improving the socio-economy of localresidents along the border, “strong villages” – to be a joint effort of theMalaysian and the Thai armies – can indirectly improve local communityrelations and bilateral relations through social activities and exchangevisits.
Zamrose is currently on a working visit to Thailand fromJuly 21 – 24, which aims to strengthen the defence diplomacy between Malaysiaand Thailand.
Meanwhile, Zamrose said he also informed Thailand thatMalaysia will establish two more checkpoints – at the 34th and 36th mile of theMalaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah – on top of the existingsix checkpoints in an effort to maintain national security and preventcross-border criminal activities./.
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