KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Dec- Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, held a meeting and discussions on several important matters, including the ASEAN Chairmanship, with former Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, yesterday.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said the discussions also touched on several critical regional issues, including efforts to boost the economy, the development of new technologies, peace initiatives in southern Thailand, and resolving the crisis in Myanmar.

"Thaksin has the expertise and extensive network of connections to open opportunities for Malaysia and ASEAN to effectively face challenges," Anwar said.

"Thaksin and I also exchanged views regarding efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between Malaysia and Thailand, in line with the vision and understanding I shared with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra," he added.

"We have shared the same belief for decades, that Malaysia and Thailand are capable of creating various joint successes for both countries and the region," Anwar said.

"God willing, Thaksin and I are committed to realizing this aspiration," he said in the posting.