On 16 December 2010 at 9.00 hrs, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Talib bin Miran Al-Raisi, Chief of Economic Sector, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, on the sidelines of the Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting (AMED III).
While both sides expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral relations, they agreed that more could be done. Mr. Al-Raisi expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Thai workers in Oman’s construction projects and Thai investment in the country, particularly in the oil sector. He also hoped that there would be an increase of investment from Thailand. Furthermore, noting that there was already a significant amount of technical cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Al-Raisi said that Oman could benefit from Thailand’s expertise in many areas including agriculture, tourism and medicine. In addition, he noted that the Omani delegation had visited Thailand last year to observe His Majesty the King’s artificial rain-making project which would be of great benefit to Oman as well. In addition, Thailand was an increasingly popular destination for Omani tourists especially for medical tourism.
On his part, Foreign Minister Kasit stated that cultural cooperation should be further intensified, while information technology was a potential area for more cooperation as there were many capable Thai programmers. He would also like to see more Omani students come to study in Thai universities and Oman could consider providing some scholarships while Thailand would seek to arrange for preferential tuition fees.
Both sides also discussed anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden, security issues in the Middle East and North-South connectivity. In this connection, Mr. Al-Raisi commended the participation of the Thai Navy in the Combined Maritime Force, which had helped reduce the problem of piracy. On the issue of connectivity, Mr. Al-Raisi — noting that this was an issue which Oman attaches importance —explained that steps had been taken to improve the transportation route from Oman going north into Central Asia. Studies were being undertaken to resolve technical issues related to compatibility of train tracks in the various countries and the suitability of ports in Iran to be used for the transport of goods. Results of these studies would be shared with 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