Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed gratitude to the Thai government for facilitating the progress of several border projects, including the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge. These projects are reportedly advancing well, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar conveyed his appreciation to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the opening of the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. He specifically thanked Thailand for swiftly ensuring the clearance of projects at the border, which are crucial for enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

Anwar's comments came after his official visit to Thailand in April, where he witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Construction Agreement for the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge Project. This initiative is anticipated to boost connectivity, trade, and bilateral relations.

During the 16th IMT-GT Summit, Anwar emphasized his commitment to economic transformation by improving cross-border connectivity, tourism, the halal sector, agro-industries, and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the sub-region. He also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and supporting infrastructure projects valued at nearly USD39 billion across the three countries involved.

The summit was attended by several prominent figures, including Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Asian Development Bank president Masato Kanda, and Malaysia's Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.