On 18 March 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Dr.Ali Gomaa Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Foundation of Islamic Center. Gist as follows;
On this occasion Foreign Minister Kasit welcomed Dr. Ali’s first official visit to Thailand. In response,Dr. Ali expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Kasit for inviting him to Thailand. and delivered the best wishes of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Foreign Minister Kasit.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on various issues. Foreign Minister Kasit expressed his interest in the model that Egypt uses to adapt religious laws for application alongside civil law and public law since it can respond well to the restrictions and limitations of various religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Egypt has effectively utilized this model to resolve religious and cultural differences.Previously Dr. Ali also discussed the said issue with Mr.Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister during their earlier meeting.Dr. Ali believed that the Thai government would adapt Egyptian Model to resolve issues in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand and also expressed his readiness to strengthen cooperation and relationship between the two countries in various areas.
In addition, both sides also discussed bilateral issues such as cooperation between the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo regarding Thai-Muslim students in Al Azhar University. They also agreed on promoting cooperation of interfaith dialogue between the two countries which Dr.Ali also discussed and exchanged views with The Most Ven. Prof. Dr.Phra Dharmakosajarn (Prayoon Dhammacitto) during his visit to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Later, Foreign Minister Kasit hosted luncheon in honour of Ali Gomaa Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Foundation of Islamic Center.
The Mufti will visit the Province of Pattani and meet with Muslim community and religious leaders to exchange views on Islamic thoughts and correct understanding of Islam.
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