Thailand and nine Pacific island states have agreed to expand economic and social cooperation under the sufficiency economy concept.
During the second Thailand-Pacific Island Forum yesterday, the states decided to move ahead on 11 main areas including tourism, agriculture, renewable energy and community development.
The Pacific states felt these should be carried out under the sufficiency economy principles espoused by His Majesty King Bhumibol.
Among those attending were the leaders of Nauru, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn told the forum there needed to be “cooperation among developing countries” based on trust and mutual respect.
Thailand also proposed a three-year partnership plan of cooperation.
Permanent secretary for foreign affairs Norachit Sinhaseni said the sufficiency economy promotes subsistence living and urges people, especially farmers, to be more self-reliant.
Further discussions will be held to achieve the goals of the three-year plan, Mr Norachit said.
Climate change was also raised at the meeting, with the Pacific island leaders expressing concern about their future. The participants shared ideas about measures to prevent and resolve problems caused by climate change.
The two-day forum ends with a visit to a royal-initiated development project at Khao Hin Son in Chachoengsao today.
Thailand hosted the first TPIF last year when it offered to open a new chapter of development and economic partnership with Pacific island states.