• Malaysia and Thailand resolve seafood trade dispute.
• Leaders agree to develop a special border economic zone.
• New border crossing to be opened in Kedah.
• Focus on enhancing agricultural cooperation.
• Both countries to tighten border security amidst security concerns.

The leaders of Malaysia and Thailand announced on Thursday that they have resolved a fisheries dispute that had disrupted seafood trade between the two nations. In May, Thailand restricted imports of Malaysian-caught sea bass over concerns related to chemical residues, prompting a temporary ban by Malaysia on some varieties of Thai shrimp, a decision sparked by food safety issues. “We have resolved this outstanding issue of fisheries ... we agree it should be effected in one week,” stated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Putrajaya, Malaysia, according to Bangkok Post, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.

During their meeting, the leaders outlined plans to develop a special border economic zone and facilitate customs and immigration exchanges between Malaysia and Thailand. Anwar and Anutin's discussions were not only focused on resolving the fisheries dispute but also on strengthening economic cooperation and addressing long-standing border issues. Furthermore, they signed a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation, highlighting the importance of collaboration in these sectors, according to Bangkok Post, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.

The upcoming joint trip to Kedah marks a significant step, as both leaders will inaugurate a new border crossing connected to Thailand's customs checkpoint in Sadao, Songkhla province. This initiative aligns with their goal to elevate bilateral trade from approximately $25 billion last year to $30 billion in the near future. Amid heightened security concerns due to recent violence linked to a separatist insurgency in Thailand's southern provinces, Anutin emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges, saying, “Ending the violence and addressing the challenges in Thailand’s southern border provinces remains a top priority for my government,” according to Bangkok Post, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.