On 24 May 2011, Ms. Makiko Kikuta, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, met with Mr. Sruangsan Chamornchan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, to reiterate the Japanese people’s sincere gratitude for the assistance provided by Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Ms. Kikuta expressed the Japanese government’s appreciation to Thailand for the assistance extended, especially from Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. She also conveyed the Japanese people’s gratitude to the Thai Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) which is in Fukushima to assist earthquake and tsunami victims in the disaster-stricken areas. She noted that Japan looked forward to receiving the two electricity generators, which were sent from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and are due to arrive in Japan at the end of this month. Ms. Kikuta said that the Japanese media has also widely reported about Thailand’s assistance to Japan.
Vice Minister Sruangsan said that due to Thailand’s close friendship with Japan, Thailand’s assistance to Japan in these difficult times would continue in other forms. The Thai Board of Investment, for example, will provide special privileges for Japanese investors in Thailand. In addition, Thailand stands ready to provide assistance in renovation and reconstruction of damaged buildings. He further expressed his admiration for the Japanese people’s perseverance and orderliness in times of crisis.
The Japanese Vice Minister also congratulated Thailand for its preparations and successful hosting of the 67th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) between 19-25 May 2011 in Bangkok. The two sides also discussed reform of the United Nations Security Council.
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