On 16 February 2009, the envoys of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries, namely Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Foreign Ministry.
Both sides discussed various issues to strengthen close cooperation between Thailand and the group, including economic and investment cooperation in Thailand, promotion of tourism among the GCC tourists as well as ways to resolve the situation in the Southern Border Provinces.
On economic cooperation, Foreign Minister Kasit updated the GCC envoys on the Royal Thai Government’s policy to boost Thai economy and Prime Minister’s plan to visit the Middle East to revive trade and investment confidence in the country. He hoped that Thailand and the GCC can collaborate more closely on boosting their economic cooperation for mutual benefits, for which the Foreign Minister encouraged more petrol dollars to be invested in Thailand’s Mega-projects.
On encouraging more GCC tourists in Thailand, Ambassador Abdalla Al-Hamar of Qatar urged Thailand to consider extending the period of stay for GCC nationals who enter Thailand with visa exemption, to which Foreign Minister Kasit responded that he will seriously look into the matter and consult with concerned authorities. The Thai Foreign Minister also encouraged more GCC tourists to visit Thailand for medical treatment. The Qatari Ambassador added that hospitality of the Thai people has been the key reasons for GGC people to continue to visit the Kingdom.
On the situation of Southern Thailand, the Foreign Minister hoped that Thailand, as observer of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), will be able to continue working closely with the GCC countries in the upcoming OIC meeting in Damascus, Syria, this May. Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated the Government’s commitment in resolving the situation in the Southern Border Provinces, of which the executive branch will be in charge. The comprehensive approach includes promoting justice, pushing forward socio-economic development and the military’s engaging in more activities with civilians in the area. The GCC welcomes such undertakings and expressed their wish to observe the situation in the area. The Foreign Minister was pleased to coordinate on the matter.
Additionally, the two sides talked about the ASEAN-GCC meeting, the first historical meeting between the two regional organisations, which Bahrain offered to host.
The GCC countries hold 37 percent of the global oil reserves and 17 percent of natural gas. Thailand imports the majority of its crude oil from the GCC countries while hundred thousands of GCC tourists visit Thailand annually.
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