KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her historic election as Thailand's youngest-ever Prime Minister.
Anwar said as close neighbours, Malaysia and Thailand shared a vital and enduring partnership, forged on long-standing historical, cultural, and economic links as well as deep-rooted kinship.
"The common pursuit of peace and development in southern Thailand offers profound benefits for both communities on both sides of our border.
"I look forward to working closely with Paetongtarn to unlock the full potential of our bilateral relationship," he said on his social media platforms today.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was elected on Friday as Thailand's second female prime minister and the third Shinawatra to hold the office, winning with nearly two-thirds of the Thai Parliament.
She is the daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin ally Srettha Thavisin was dismissed as prime minister on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court for ethics violations, setting up the vote for Thaksin's daughter.
Meanwhile, Anwar in his post also expressed his gratitude to Thavisin.
"I also wish to express sincere appreciation to my dear friend, former prime minister Thavisin, for his visionary leadership in strengthening the bonds between our two nations," he added.