On 9 March 2012, Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, met with General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the former’s official visit to Thailand as guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the said meeting, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, gave a briefing to the press. Gist as follows:
1. The visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania marked the first high-level visit between Thailand and Albania since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 30 September 1982. Indeed, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Albania.
2. During the visit, both Thailand and Albania have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania. This MOU would pave way for increased consultation and cooperation between the two countries in various areas, such as politics, trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges, coordination on issues of common interest, as well as expansion of multilateral cooperation.
3. Albania wished to strengthen and promote cooperation with Thailand in all aspects, especially in economics. In this regard, Albania proposed the signing of the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment, Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Agreement on the Exemption of Visas for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders, which would in turn lead to more people to people contact between the two countries. In addition, in the area of economic relations, Albania also suggested that a consultation mechanism between the businessmen of the two countries be established to help foster trade and investment. On this note, Albania recognized Thailand’s capacity as one of the world’s biggest food producers and exporters. Presently, around 70 % of Albania’s population are Muslims and each year around 80 % of the country’s total rice imports or approximately 18,000 tonnes come from Thailand. As such, there are tremendous opportunities for Thailand’s food and Halal food industries in the Albanian market.
4. To establish a framework for future cooperation, the Albanian side also proposed the establishment of a Joint Commission (JC) between Thailand and Albania. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania also took the opportunity to extend invitations to Thai high ranking officials to visit Albania.
5. On this occasion, Mr. Jullapong Nonsrichai, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosted a luncheon in honour of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania at the Foreign Ministry.
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