Aquino meets with visiting Thai deputy PM

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed today Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul in Malacanang, the presidential palace, in efforts to strengthen the cordial relations and cooperation between the two Asian countries.

Tovichakchaikul is on a two-day official visit to Manila until Friday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the visiting Thai official and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario were set to sign agreements which aim to strengthen the cordial relations and cooperation between the two nations.

The agreements include the Convention between the Philippines and Thailand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, Joint Statement for the Establishment of an Energy Forum and Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation between Thailand- Philippines and the Philippines-Thailand Business Councils, said the Thailand Government Public Relations Department on its website.