On 11 November 2011, on the sidelines of the 23rd APEC Ministerial Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul held bilateral talks with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa Cantellano and Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba. Gist as follows.
1. Bilateral meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully
Foreign Minister Surapong expressed appreciation for the flood relief assistance extended by the New Zealand Government worth 100,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately 2.3 million baht) through the Thai Red Cross Society. New Zealand was one of the first countries which provided assistance to Thailand, likewise Thailand was also one of the first countries which provided assistance to New Zealand in the earthquake disaster in Christchurch.
Both parties discussed preparations for the 2nd Meeting of the Thai-New Zealand Joint Commission which Thailand would host in 2012. The issues to be discussed would include education, security, police and environment including possibilities of strengthening cooperation in the areas of science, energy and research.
Foreign Minister McCully also expressed New Zealand’s readiness to promote further cooperation in the area education, particularly in the teaching English as a second language.
2. Bilateral Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird
Foreign Minister Surapong expressed his hope that the Canadian Prime Minister would be able to pay an official visit to Thailand at his earliest convenience after having to postpone his visit as a result of the floods. Additionally, the Thai Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the flood relief assistance extended by the Canadian Government worth one million Canadian dollars through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with overall relations between the two countries, especially in the area of trade. The Canadian side was also interested in commencing a free trade agreement with Thailand, which was being considered by the Thai relevant agencies.
On the ASEAN cooperation framework, the year 2012 will mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada relations. In this connection, several activities will be organized to commemorate the anniversary, such as exchange of visits, seminars, scholarships and competition for a logo commemorating the occasion.
Both parties also discussed cooperation to address the problem of people smuggling. In this regard, the Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the Canadian Government’s assistance in providing training for officials from the relevant agencies. Finally, the Canadian side also expressed readiness to provide technical assistance to support the national reconciliation process in Thailand, which the Foreign Minister would convey to the relevant authorities for their further consideration.
3. Bilateral Meeting with Mexican Secretary Patricia Espinosa Cantellano
Both sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, establishing a mechanism for high-level consultations for the first time to help promote regular meetings between the two countries.
Both sides also agreed that natural disaster management and food security were important issues which APEC member economies should closely cooperate.
4. Bilateral Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba
Foreign Minister Surapong expressed his appreciation to the Japanese Government for the flood relief assistance and support extended, particularly the temporary measure announced allowing Thai workers with flood-affected Japanese companies in Thailand to be able to work in Japan temporarily. Additionally, the Foreign Minister informed his Japanese counterpart of the Government’s measures to assist affected businesses in Thailand. The Thai side also hoped to learn from Japan’s experiences in natural disaster prevention, management and recovery.
With regard to the death of Mr. Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese photographer, during the political unrest last year, Foreign Minister Surapong informed the Japanese side that the period of investigation has been extended to by 90 days until 15 December 2011. He also reiterated that the Royal Thai Government attaches the utmost importance to this case and would investigate this case in a transparent and fair manner.
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