On 22 September 2011, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul held bilateral talks with Mr. Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Foreign Minister of Portugal, and Mr. Kurt Campbell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the executives of American Jewish Committee (AJC) led by Mr. Allan Reich who chairs AJC’s International Relations Commission. Gist as follows:
1. In the meeting with the Portugese Foreign Minister, both parties discussed preparations to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Thai-Portuguese Diplomatic Relations. In this connection, Thailand will present a Thai-style pavilion as a gesture of friendship to Portugal. Additionally, both Thailand and Portugal agreed to expedite negotiations regarding the Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Special Passport. The Portugese Foreign Minister also raised the issue of Timor Leste’s application to join ASEAN. In response, Foreign Minister Surapong noted that Thailand supported the application in principle; however, it depended on the general consensus of ASEAN member states.
2. In the Foreign Minister’s meeting with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific, the latter congratulated the Foreign Minister on his recent appointment. The Foreign Minister briefed the U.S. side on Thailand’s political situation and the Government’s commitment to achieve national unity and reconciliation. Both sides also agreed that Thailand and the U.S. would benefit from more exchanges of high-level visits and talks. On this note, it is anticipated that the Thai Prime Minister and the U.S. President would be able to meet during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Hawaii or the East Asia Summit in November in Bali. Furthermore, both parties discussed regional and other international issues of mutual interest.
3. In the meeting with AJC’s executives, both sides exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, including the issue of Palestine statehood, of which Thailand would carefully consider the matter.
Furthermore, on the evening of 22 September 2011, Foreign Minister Surapong attended receptions hosted by the Prime Minister of Japan to express appreciation for those countries which had provided assistance and supported Japan after the earthquakes and Tsunami earlier this year, the reception held in honour of the President of Lebanon and a reception hosted by the French Foreign Minister.
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