BANGKOK, 17 January 2013 (NNT) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is paying an official visit to Thailand, becoming the first Japanese premier to do so in 11 years. Mr. Abe has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the Thai government in all dimensions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Pongthep Thepkarnchana, in his capacity as the Thai representative, and his entourage on Thursday welcomed Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and spouse Akie Abe, who arrived in Thailand for an official visit from 17-18 January 2013 after being invited by the Thai government. They were later granted an audience with His Majesty the King at Siriraj Hospital.

In the evening, Mr.Abe met with his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss various issues, such as bilateral and multilateral relations and regional cooperation.

National News Bureau Of Thailand