Thailand, Phl sign agreements to boost cooperation

BAGNKOK (Xinhua) - Thailand and the Philippines signed three agreements on taxation, energy and business cooperation during a high-level Thai delegation's visit to the archipelago nation, Thai News Agency reported on Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister cum Finance Minster Surapong Tovichakchaikul attended the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Manila on June 20-21 which was held after a six-year hiatus.

Surapong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Ferreros del Rosario co-chaired the JCBC ministerial meeting which was preceded by a session for senior officials.

The two parties on Friday signed three agreements on taxation, establishment of an energy forum and cooperation between Thai and Philippine business federations.

Surapong said Thailand and the Philippines will enhance investment and economic cooperation, eliminate tax barriers and exchange information on labour management.

The Thai and Philippine defence ministries will set up a joint committee on defence cooperation in which Thailand will supply spare parts for OV-10 Bronco aircraft to the neighboring country.

Another agreement between the education ministries of the two countries will be signed next month on exchange of English- language teachers to improve language proficiency of the Thai people.