Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya paid an introductory visit to the Philippines from 8 to 9 February 2009, marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Minister Kasit met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, who hosted a luncheon in his honour, and paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He also received, on his first day, a briefing on the peace process in Mindanao from Mr.Rafael Seguis, Chief Negotiator for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and, on his second day, a briefing on the management of overseas workers by the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
On his second day, after a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Minister Kasit met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including cooperation and boosting trade and investment between the two countries. Minister Kasit pledged to support closer cooperation on tourism, including through joint tourist packages with the Philippines, and to find ways to increase trade volume. On the ASEAN Human Rights Body, he stressed that the establishment of the AHRB was important in showing to the international community the role of ASEAN in promoting and protecting the rights of the people of ASEAN. With regard to the Rohingya illegal migrants, Minister Kasit affirmed that Thailand would coordinate closely with the countries concerned and relevant international organizations, including the UNHCR and the Myanmar Government, to find solutions to the problem.
On the same day, Minister Kasit paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo and expressed his appreciation for the Philippines’ cooperation and full support for Thailand as Chair of ASEAN. President Arroyo confirmed that she would participate in the 14th ASEAN Summit and reiterated her invitation to the Thai Prime Minister to visit the Philippines at a mutually convenient opportunity. On financial cooperation, both agreed to push for the establishment of an Asian bond market to help ASEAN countries avoid financial crisis, and hoped to discuss the issue further during the 14th ASEAN Summit in Cha-am and the ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and Republic of Korea) Finance Ministers’ Meeting in mid-February 2009. Both sides also discussed progress in other regional forum such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Other topics discussed included tourism cooperation, cultural activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Philippines, H.M. the King’s “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy projects, and exchanges between the two countries’ research institutions.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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