On 29 May 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press briefing on the outcomes of the 9th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM) held in Hanoi, Vietnam, during 25-26 May and the 17th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during 27-28 May 2009. Gist as follows:
- Foreign Minister Kasit said both forums sought to link the two continents by providing opportunities for the two sides to engage in dialogue and strengthen their cooperation in various aspects, including exchanges of views on global challenges such as the global financial and economic crisis. Both meetings were held in a constructive atmosphere and reflected ASEAN’s growing stature and importance.
- On cooperation, the 9th AFMM discussed a wide range of issues such as post-Cyclone Nargis relief efforts, which requires USD 690 million from the international community to assist Myanmar for 2009-2011. Regarding global climate change, which was of particular concern to the EU, Foreign Minister Kasit reassured the Meeting that Thailand stood ready to cooperate under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Thailand will host the “UN Climate Change Talks” in Bangkok during 28 September — 9 October 2009, in the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen December this year.
- The 17th AEMM adopted the Phnom Penh Agenda for the Implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2009-2010) and a Co-Chairs’ Statement which reviewed progress in the relationship, the economic and political dialogue, and the future direction of cooperation.
- As ASEAN Chair, Foreign Minister Kasit spoke in both meetings of the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter, the commitment to build an ASEAN Community, and the formation of the ASEAN human rights body in compliance with the Charter, with emphasis on public participation and respect for human rights.
- The issue of Myanmar was discussed during both the 9th AFMM and 17th AEMM. The AFMM participants expressed support for the ASEAN Chairman’s Statement issued by Thailand. In addition, the Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers` Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia in preparation for the 17th AEMM, concurred that the statement did not constitute interference in or encroachment on the sovereignty of Myanmar. Rather, it was an expression of concern and desire to see developments leading to democratic processes and national reconciliation in Myanmar. The meeting emphasized that ASEAN is like a family, where anything that happens to one member will affect the other members. Foreign Minister Kasit underlined that the close relationship and cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar would continue.
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
-PM-