Recently elected Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, making his inagural overseas visit to Southeast Asia, touches down in Bangkok tomorrow. Mr Abe is widely expected to call for a broader strategic partnership with Thailand on an array of economic and diplomatic issues. The visit comes against the backdrop of continual tensions between Japan and China over territorial disputes regarding the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands among other issues.
On the itinerary is an audience with His Majesty the King at Siriraj Hospital followed by a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House. As reported by the Nation, the two prime ministers are expected to discuss the role of Thailand in helping resolve ongoing tensions in the South China Sea while also working on the general parameters of a broader strategic engagement. A joint news conference and official state dinner will proceed the meeting.
During his time in Bangkok the PM will be accompanied by a large delegation of leading figures in both the government and private sectors. Mr Abe has been lobbying the Thai government on behalf of a Japanese business community eager to invest in major transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the country. Japan is a leading source of trade and investment for the Thai economy.
