On 18 November 2010 at the Government House, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered closing remarks at Latin Business Forum 2010. Gists as follow:
Foreign Minister Kasit stated that with the development of information and communication technology (ICT), the distance and cultural differences between Southeast Asia and Latin America should not be a hindrance for building linkages between the two regions. He also encouraged both sides to have more opportunities to exchange between one another, apart from the existing opportunities such as the ASEAN — Rio Group Meeting and ASEAN — Mercosur Ministerial Meeting and other meetings that provide the opportunity for
Southeast Asia to cross paths with Latin America.
He also stated that Thailand is ready in doing business through trade and investment with the Latin American region and urged other Southeast Asian countries to move on together in the same direction through the different frameworks available. In this regards, Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated the need to speed up free trade agreements (FTAs) between the two regions. He also emphasized the importance of connectivity between the two regions and that each country should urge their respective airlines to open up air routes between the two regions. He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Peru for offering its port as a transit point for cargo ships to Latin America. In addition, he reiterated that countries in the two regions are obligated under the South-South cooperation to help one another through experience and technical knowledge sharing for example in the fields of alternative energy, sustainable development and agro-industry.
On the academic note, Foreign Minister Kasit urged think tank and academic institutions in the both Southeast Asia and Latin America to cooperate to develop inter-regional relations.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th