Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Albert F. Del Rosario, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs on 10 April 2011, at the eve of the Special Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the East Asia Summit, reiterated both side’s commitment to cooperate on issues of mutual interest which included illegal drug and human trafficking and economic development.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs raised the situation of illegal drug trafficking to be rather serious, especially with the increase in female carriers who are often tricked into smuggling drugs. Foreign Minister Kasit agreed, and said that networking between relevant agencies on production and routing of drugs was vital, particularly between the United Nations and Interpol. He added that ASEAN could focus on drug and human trafficking and illegal migrants as an agenda in its Political Security dimension. In addition, he emphasized the importance of internal agency coordination as well as the appropriate political will.
In order to encourage further development in the Mekong region, Foreign Minister Kasit also encouraged further Philippine investment and joint ventures from Philippine conglomerates in the region.
In addition, the two sides agreed to hold a Joint Political Consultation in Manila soon. The Philippines also welcomed Thailand’s invitation extended to the President of the Philippines for an official visit to Thailand.
On this occasion, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs also expressed the Philippine people’s best wishes for the health of His Majesty the King. He also passed on the Philippines condolences for the loss of life and casualties from the flood and mudslides in Southern 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