On 10 January 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart, Mr. Hirofumi Nakosone, during the Japanese Foreign Minister’s transit in Thailand before continuing his visit to Cambodia and Laos.
Besides affirming Thailand’s readiness as ASEAN Chair to host the 14th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, Foreign Minister Kasit assured his Japanese counterpart about the clear policy direction of the Royal Thai Government, including its measures to counter the economic crisis. He further elaborated to Foreign Minister Nakasone that the Government attaches priority to promoting trade and investment and will look after Japanese businesses in Thailand, currently comprising more than 6,000 companies. He hoped that Japan would continue to invest in Thailand. The Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed Tokyo’s confidence in the Thai Government's ability to revive economic confidence with the international community and informed the Thai side of the upcoming visit of a Special Envoy of Prime Minister Taro Aso to consult with Thailand on economic and financial stability in the region.
Both sides welcomed the outcome of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), which has been in force for over a year. The two-way trade volume has increased by 18 percent, especially for agricultural products, processed food, and textiles. Foreign Minister Kasit said that he will continue to promote and maximize the practical benefits of JTEPA.
Additional issues discussed by the two Foreign Ministers included cooperation in developing the Mekong region, the political situation in Myanmar, humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people and cooperation under the United Nations framework.
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