Thailand hopes Bush visit will strengthen bilateral ties

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) – Thailand hopes to take the opportunity of the visit of US President George W. Bush to Thailand to strengthen the bilateral relations of both countries on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, according to Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag.
The US President is visiting Thailand Wednesday and Thursday (August 6-7) as part of his circuit of Asia before his presidential term ends early next year.
Mr. Tej said it is expected that Mr. Bush would deliver a statement on the US stance regarding the political situation in Myanmar.
The Thai foreign minister reiterated that the Thai government still
maintains its policy of non-intervention in Myanmar's internal affairs.
Nonetheless Thailand will cooperate in seeking a way out of the political conflicts in the neighbouring country in a constructive manner under the framework set forth by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the regional grouping of which Thailand has assumed the chairmanship.
He said the government is set to take the opportunity of the US
president's visit to boost bilateral ties and thank the US counterpart for its support in the Thai-Cambodian talks on the disputed Preah Vihear temple area.