On 24 December 2010 in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with his counterpart Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu, during which wide-ranging discussions were held on how to strengthen bilateral ties as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
At the joint press conference following their meeting, Foreign Minister Kasit said that his visit this time was the second this year, which reflected Thailand’s keen interest in forging closer relations with Turkey. He noted that he had left Bangkok with high hopes and that he would be leaving Istanbul with great optimism given the productive meetings he had with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and various private sector organisations. As Thailand and Turkey shared similar economic and political outlooks, there were great complementarities between both sides. Each country also played a central role in their respective regions, making them natural strategic partners.
Foreign Minister Kasit noted that relations between Thailand and Turkey have been comprehensive in nature, covering economic, political, security, military, investment, trade, tourism and cultural activities. Both governments would render full support to private sector participation so as to realise the full potential of both sides. Additionally, cooperation would not be limited to just the bilateral sphere, but would also extend to activities in third countries as well as in multilateral fora. He noted that next year, the immediate task would be to conclude the various cooperative agreements currently being negotiated, while full use would be made of those already signed. Exchanges of high-level visits and private sector missions would also be pursued. More also would be done to promote a better awareness and deeper understanding about each other which would pave the way for closer collaboration. As political will existed on both sides, the task at hand was to transform this goodwill into tangible developments for the benefit of the two countries.
Earlier that day, Foreign Minister met with Mr. Rifat Hisarcilio?lu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), as well as with members of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) to discuss ways and means to promote closer economic interaction between Thailand and Turkey. In this connection, both sides agreed to promote greater “connectivity” between the two countries through a new Super Silk Road, linking East Asia with West Asia through Thailand, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. To this end, both sides would work together on such issues as harmonisation and customs procedures and internationally accepted travel documents to facilitate border crossings of goods transported. Both sides also agreed to exchange business delegations so as to provide them with a chance to examine first hand the potential and opportunities available to them in their respective countries.
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