PHUKET, 21 February 2013 Myanmar Navy ships for the first time in 18 years berthed at Thai port on Wednesday, reflecting closer ties between the two countries.
Myanmar Navy ships paid a visit to Phuket to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Myanmar. The 2 vessels, UMS 561 and UMS 562, were led by Captain Aung Zaw Hliang. The ships are scheduled to be docked at the island until Saturday.
The captain said he was glad to have come to Phuket and would be looking forward to continuing to foster good relations with the Royal Thai Navy.
The Burmese navy was welcomed by Third Region Navy Commander Vice Admiral Tharathorn Khachitsuwan. In exchange for a visit by the Burmese navy, the Thai navy plans to visit Myanmar next month, the commander said.
As for what would be discussed during the visit, the commander said he would not raise the issue of the Rohingyas detainees in Thailand, as this visit was aimed at strengthening relationship between the two nations’ naval forces.
