Myanmar is working on the Dawei industrial project to connect with Thailand and provide Thailand with the shortest possible route to deliver its goods to West Asia, Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing said on Thursday.
The Dawei project was previously stalled and planned to connect southern Myanmar and the Indian Ocean with Thailand's Eastern seaboard. It included a deep sea port and industrial facilities, among other plans.
Min Aung Hlaing received a red-carpet treatment on a visit to Thailand on Thursday, part of efforts by Bangkok to push for re-engagement between its war-torn neighbour and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
The retired general, who seized power in a 2021 coup, is the subject of a raft of Western sanctions and has sought international legitimacy since becoming Myanmar's president in April, which followed an election dominated by an army-backed party in the absence of any viable opposition.
At an arrival ceremony in Bangkok, a military band played national anthems before Min Aung Hlaing, dressed in a dark business suit, walked a red carpet with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to inspect an honour guard.
With a civil war raging in Myanmar following the 2021 coup, Thailand is pursuing "calibrated re-engagement" hoping that its neighbour will implement a stalled peace initiative led by the regional bloc, which has barred Myanmar's leaders from its summits.
At a bilateral meeting on Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing pledged to pursue peace and economic growth and improve ties with Asean.
"Myanmar is on the path of democracy and heading towards a better future," he said.
"In international relations, as we have worked to strengthen friendly relations for the benefit and interests of the public, we will also work toward fostering better relations with Asean."
Thailand poised for closer economic ties with Myanmar
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday that Thailand and Myanmar are ready for a new chapter in economic cooperation and will push for more trade and improve energy sector collaboration.
Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), was speaking at a Thailand-Myanmar business summit, which was attended by Min Aung Hlaing.
