On 15 January 2009, Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France, Dr. Hanns Heinrich Schumacher, the Ambassador of Germany, Mr. Radu Gabriel Mateescu, Ambassador of Romania, and Mr. Ivan Hotek, Ambassabor of Czech Republic, paid their courtesy calls on Mr. Kasit Piromya, the new Foreign Minister, to congratulate him on his assumption of office.
Foreign Minister Kasit thanked the Ambassadors and exchanged views with them on various issues, particularly those related to the bilateral ties between Thailand and their respective countries as well as inter-regional relations between ASEAN and the European Union, since Thailand and Czech Republic are currently Chairs of ASEAN and EU respectively. At the bilateral level, Foreign Minister Kasit expressed his interests in reviewing the existing ties, outstanding agreements and points of obstacle in order to further strengthen those ties. In addition, Foreign Minister Kasit also discussed with the Ambassadors on the expansion of bilateral cooperation and exchanges in other areas of mutual benefits such as scientific and technological exchange and cooperation, educational exchange, etc. Foreign Minister Kasit also reiterated on the economic cooperation that will lead to the negotiation of a free trade agreement between ASEAN and EU.
The Ambassadors expressed their appreciation and confidence in the foreign policy of Thailand which was briefed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the reception for diplomatic corps and heads of international organizations in Thailand at the Government House on 14 January 2009. They restated their confidence in Thailand being a country of interest for European investors.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.