On 16 December 2010 at 11.20 hrs., Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, on the sidelines of the Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting (AMED III).
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressed his government’s sympathy towards the recent flooding situation in Thailand. He also reiterated his government’s appreciation for the assistance rendered by the Thai side during the floods in Pakistan in October 2010, noting that Pakistan is currently in the second phase of recovery and rehabilitation. In this regard, the Thai Foreign Minister informed the Pakistani side that the Thai Cabinet has already approved the provision of 20,000 tons of rice as additional assistance to Pakistan, which would be handed over in due course.
With regard to bilateral relations, the Pakistani side reiterated its invitation to the Thai Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Pakistan. Both sides agreed that relations at the parliamentary level as well as between political parties should be strengthened. They also agreed that events and activities should be organised to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2011, such as organisation of seminars and cultural exchanges.
On the economic front, the Pakistani Minister suggested that Thailand could benefit from Pakistan’s geographical location as a gateway to countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. He also expressed the view that Thailand could play a pivotal role in rebuilding Afghanistan in such areas as building roads, hospitals and other infrastructure.
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