On 27 November 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya was on the first day of his official visit to the United Kingdom.
After arriving in the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister went to Darlington in order to visit the Teeside Cast Products, a steel house and blast furnace which Sahaviriya Steel industries (SSI) Thailand has been making their proposed acquisition. Foreign Minister was briefed on the overview of plant production and the SSI’s future plan. Foreign Minister toured the site and met with employees, representatives including MPs and local media. In this regard Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the parties concerned for the warm welcome extended to him on this occasion. He also stressed his support for the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Thailand and the UK which reflects the dynamism of good relations between the two countries.
Then Foreign Minister proceeded to University of Leeds to pay a visit to the Thai Studies Programme supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, through the Royal Thai Embassy in London. This support is aimed at promoting knowledge and better understanding toward Thailand among British nationals especially younger generations. On this occasion Foreign Minister had an opportunity to discuss with the group of Leeds professors relevant issues such as foreign policy, education policy, current political situation in Thailand and other issues. Both sides also exchanged view on how to improve the cooperation under the Thai Studies Programme.
In this connection, Foreign Minister was briefed on the current situation of the cooperation between Royal Thai Embassy in London and the University. In addition, the students who received scholarship to undergo a research on this programme from the Embassy gave Foreign Minister a briefing on their research. Before leaving the University, Foreign Minister presented the Saranrom and Lanna Awards to the students who achieved progress on their study and understanding about Thailand.
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