Bangkok - Indonesia and Thailand agreed on Monday to boost their relationship with the strategic partnership, during an Indonesian president's first state visit in 20 years and agreed to promote greater trade and investment.

President Prabowo Subianto, who took power last year, was welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paeton shinawatra amid intermittent rainfall at the Bangkok government building. As a tradition, the two leaders conducted an indoor review of a Guard of Honor and then conducted bilateral negotiations on the future shape of their relationship.

Subianto's visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Paetontarn said the two countries agreed to promote cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, tourism and food security.

In a statement, Paetongtarn said that enhancing the relationship between the two countries and the strategic partnership “reflects our common commitment to strengthening cooperation on the common interests of the two peoples.”

They also discussed defense and security issues, including “strengthening maritime security cooperation, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, increasing joint military exercises and promoting partnerships in the defense industry,” Subianto said in his speech.

Pettentaan said Thai and Indonesian police will strengthen cooperation in suppressing transnational crime, especially online scams, human trafficking and drug trafficking.

Earlier this year, dozens of Indonesians were released from the scam center in Myanmar and repatriated through Thailand as part of a massive regional crackdown. Thousands of people are believed to be attracted to work in the region, committing global scams through false romance, false investment publicity and illegal gambling programs. Many workers are recruited under false excuses and only find themselves in troubled by virtual slavery.

Ministers from both countries have also signed memorandums of understanding on health cooperation in many areas, including prevention and control of infectious diseases and medical tourism.

They also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and Subianto praised Thailand’s constructive role, especially in attracting neighboring countries to seek a peaceful solution in Myanmar and fostering dialogue among the parties.

"We stressed the importance of inclusive national dialogue that can achieve peace and stability in Myanmar, and we also stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN's unity and middle route," Subianto said.

Since the removal of the elected civilian government in February 2021, Myanmar's crisis has become one of the group's biggest challenges, placing the country into conflict. It sparked armed resistance, and rebels now control much of the country. The war killed thousands of people and was displaced.

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Associated Press journalist Jerry Harmer and Niniek Karmini of Jakarta, Indonesia contributed to the report.