BANGKOK, Sept 15 — Thailand and Malaysia will strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially on economic issues and border development for the benefit of the peoples of both sides.

The matter was conveyed during a telephone call today between Thailand’s newly elected Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir.

In a statement, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Zambry congratulated Parnpree on his assumption of duty during a telephone conversation.

"Both sides agreed that as close neighbours, Thailand and Malaysia will constructively strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

Thailand’s new government officially took office on September 5, following a parliamentary stalemate for almost four months after the May 14 General Election as parties worked out coalitions to muster the required number to form the government. — Bernama