KUALA LUMPUR, February 20, 2012 (AFP) - The Malaysian and Thai leaders vowed to work together to address a simmering rebellion in Muslim-majority border regions of southern Thailand during talks on Monday.
The pledge came after a meeting between Malaysian premier Najib Razak and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra, who took office in August and is finishing up a round of visits aimed at introducing herself to her neighbours.
Najib said the pair "discussed the need to find a long-term and durable peaceful solution in the south" of Thailand, where a seven-year Muslim insurgency has left thousands dead.
"Prime Minister Yingluck has requested Malaysia to provide whatever assistance and cooperation we can to help Thailand in the process towards a long-term solution in the south," Najib said at a joint press appearance.
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country.
Yingluck, the younger sister of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, had originally been scheduled to visit Malaysia in October but postponed the trip as she grappled with Thailand's worst floods in half a century.
Her one-day visit comes as Thai authorities are investigating last week's failed bomb plot in Bangkok, which involves Iranian suspects and allegedly targeted Israeli diplomats.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged by Thai authorities and officials in Thailand have said they will seek the extradition of another Iranian man who fled to Malaysia, where he was arrested.
Malaysia has said it will cooperate with Thailand but is still holding the suspect pending an investigation by Malaysian police.
Malaysian officials said the case was not on the agenda of Monday's prime ministerial meeting and the two leaders made no mention of it after their talks.
In September, Malaysian tourists were among four killed and more than 100 wounded in multiple blasts in southern Thailand, one of the largest recent incidents in the Muslim-majority area.
Najib called for expanded economic development opportunities in the region to help address the conflict's underlying causes.
"Malaysia stands ready to assist Thailand on request in whatever way possible so there will be a long-term solution for the south," he said.
Neither side made mention of any specific plans.
"I am pleased with the success of this visit," Yingluck said.
"It is a reflection of the close cooperation and commitment to the relationship between both countries and we look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Najib."
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