On 30 March 2009, Mr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Foreign Ministry.
Both sides discussed on FAO reform, which Mr. Diouf informed that FAO’s policy on setting up a regional office is to listen to views and opinions of its members in the region.
On Thailand-FAO Cooperation, the Foreign Minister emphasized that Thailand is enthusiastic to work closely with the FAO to promote food security and biofuel crop production. Thailand has the capacity to be the food basket of the world and producer of alternative energy plants, namely, palm oil, sugarcane, and tapioca. On water management, which is one of the top priorities for Thailand, the FAO Director-General stated that the organization stood ready to provide technology transfer and technical support to Thailand, including the studies for building reservoirs.
Foreign Minister Kasit emphasised Thailand’s role as a donor country to develop a South — South cooperation with neighbouring countries, such as, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia to close the gap between one another and resolve the immigration problem. Thailand would also like to work closely with FAO to help countries in need like Bangladesh, particularly on natural disaster. Mr. Diouf expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s intention to cooperate with these countries.
Earlier on the same day, Mr. Diouf paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to discuss on FAO reform and other relevant issues.
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