On 28 June 2012, at the Second High-Level Public-Private Counter Piracy Conference in Dubai, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delivered a statement sharing his thoughts on how the international community should respond to the increasing threat of maritime piracy. He pointed out that capacity building and human resource development could constitute a long term solution to the piracy problems.
Foreign Minister Surapong urged the public and private sectors to work closely together to cut off the illicit financial flows of piracy syndicates and break up their network. He also emphasized the need to enhance capacity for greater exchange of information among states, security agencies, and the shipping industry.
The Foreign Minister also announced Thailand’s offer to provide additional vocational trainings for Somalia, in such fields as fisheries and mechanics, to support income generation. The Royal Thai Government is also considering the establishment of a training center in Africa staffed with Thai experts to provide training for African countries, including Somalia, in the areas that would contribute to their economic well-being and sustainable development.
At the sideline of the conference, Foreign Minister Surapong had a bilateral talk with Mr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE. He reaffirmed Thailand’s intention to be a key partner in the international effort to combat piracy. They both expressed commitment to enhance bilateral relations. In this context, the State Minister informed that the UAE will send an invitation to the Thai Prime Minister to pay an official visit. The Foreign Minister offered to host the first Thailand-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and looked forward to welcoming the UAE’s Foreign Minister in Thailand.
The Foreign Minister also encouraged the UAE to consider purchasing more food and produce from Thailand on a long-term contractual basis, while Thailand would continue to look to the UAE as a major source of energy. At the conclusion of the conversation, Foreign Minister Surapong requested the UAE’s support for Thailand’s candidature for membership in the Human Rights Council for a second term in 2015 — 2017 and a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2017 — 2018.
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