Latest news with #LadaPhumas
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia's Role In Thai-Cambodia Border Talks Shows Depth Of Bilateral Trust
Chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah with Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas (right) during the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue at the ISIS Malaysia. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, delivers her keynote address during the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's role as facilitator in the recent Thai–Cambodia border negotiations is a testament to the trust and strength underpinning the bilateral partnership between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia Lada Phumas said. 'The ceasefire agreement, followed by the extraordinary Thailand–Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 7, reflected not only Malaysia's constructive diplomacy but also Thailand's confidence in 'a friend like Malaysia', she said. She made the remarks in her keynote address at the Thailand–Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, held on Friday and co-hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. bootstrap slideshow On Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, Lada pointed out that it presents a timely opportunity to advance regional priorities and strengthen ASEAN centrality. 'ASEAN remains our common platform and shield. With Malaysia leading in 2025, we have the chance to promote unity in diversity with people at its core,' she said. As Thailand's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028 will follow the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, Lada said this offers a strategic opportunity for both countries to coordinate more closely. 'Together, we can ensure continuity in ASEAN's agenda, push forward connectivity projects, and deepen regional integration. We must also project a strong voice on the global stage to shape a prosperous future,' she added. On Thailand–Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, Lada said discussions are expected to help guide the development of the Thailand–Malaysia Strategic Vision 2027. She outlined three key areas of focus namely strengthening political trust through sustained dialogue, deepening economic resilience through trade, investment and innovation, and improving infrastructure and people-to-people mobility.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Extend ECRL to Sungai Golok to boost Malaysia-Thailand teade: Thai envoy
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, has suggested that Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which starts in Kota Bharu, be extended to the Sungai Golok border to enhance rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. She said the connection at the border is crucial for improving trade and logistics between the two neighbours. "We have a rail station in Sungai Golok for which we must now explore ways to revitalise and utilise so that ECRL can be extended and connected to the rail network on Thailand's side. From there, it could be connected to Hatyai - the neighbouring border town of Padang Besar on Malaysia's side, which could facilitate better logistical integration and enhance regional rail connectivity," she told Bernama in an interview today. The ambassador said that interconnecting rail systems across the region, linking Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, and China, with the potential for further extensions, will strengthen regional ties. She said the Pan-Asia Railway Network (PARN) project is a key infrastructure initiative, connecting China, Singapore and all countries in mainland Southeast Asia. Malaysia is actively developing its segment of the network, which aims to establish a continuous double-track railway from Johor Bahru to Padang Besar in Perlis. Phumas said that such interconnection would promote trade, enhance mobility and deliver substantial economic benefits for both countries. "Improved rail connectivity would provide a more affordable and efficient alternative for freight transport, compared to air and road options," she said. In addition to rail connectivity, Phumas said there are opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand in the halal industry and related supply chains. "Thailand can supply ingredients and raw materials that Malaysia may be lacking, while Malaysia can leverage its expertise in halal certification to strengthen and expand the halal supply chain. This collaboration could prove mutually beneficial for both countries and open up significant opportunities in markets, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries," she added. She reiterated that this is why the upcoming summit between Asean, the GCC and China is crucial, as the GCC and China offer a potentially large market for halal products. "By aligning the production schedules of both nations, especially in food products, the supply chain could be optimised. This collaboration would not only benefit Malaysia and Thailand but also support the broader region by providing high-quality halal products and addressing food security concerns," she added.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Thai envoy proposes ECRL extension to Sungai Golok to enhance rail connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, has suggested that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which starts in Kota Baru, be extended to the Sungai Golok border to enhance rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. She said the connection at the border is crucial for improving trade and logistics between the two neighbours. "We have a rail station in Sungai Golok for which we must now explore ways to revitalise and utilise so that ECRL can be extended and connected to the rail network on Thailand's side. "From there, it could be connected to Hatyai - the neighbouring border town of Padang Besar on Malaysia's side, which could facilitate better logistical integration and enhance regional rail connectivity," she said. The ambassador said that interconnecting rail systems across the region, linking Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, and China, with the potential for further extensions, will strengthen regional ties. She said the Pan-Asia Railway Network (PARN) project is a key infrastructure initiative, connecting China, Singapore and all countries in mainland Southeast Asia. Malaysia is actively developing its segment of the network, which aims to establish a continuous double-track railway from Johor Baru to Padang Besar in Perlis. Phumas said that such interconnection would promote trade, enhance mobility and deliver substantial economic benefits for both countries. "Improved rail connectivity would provide a more affordable and efficient alternative for freight transport, compared to air and road options," she said. In addition to rail connectivity, Phumas said there are opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand in the halal industry and related supply chains. "Thailand can supply ingredients and raw materials that Malaysia may be lacking, while Malaysia can leverage its expertise in halal certification to strengthen and expand the halal supply chain. "This collaboration could prove mutually beneficial for both countries and open up significant opportunities in markets, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries," she added. She reiterated that this is why the upcoming summit between Asean, the GCC and China is crucial, as the GCC and China offer a potentially large market for halal products. "By aligning the production schedules of both nations, especially in food products, the supply chain could be optimised. This collaboration would not only benefit Malaysia and Thailand but also support the broader region by providing high-quality halal products and addressing food security concerns," she added. – BERNAMA
