On 30 July 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya briefed members of the diplomatic corps on the outcome of the 42nd ASEAN Ministers Meeting and related meetings in Phuket.
The Foreign Minister stressed the linkages that bind all ASEAN member countries together — physical, cultural and historical. At the meetings in Phuket, all ASEAN member countries agreed to strengthen the region’s connectivity and build a sense of belonging among the people of the region. He also summarized developments in the drafting of the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The ToR will pave way for the inauguration of this important body at the 15th ASEAN Summit in October.
The Foreign Minister also briefed the diplomatic corps on cooperation among ASEAN member countries, as well as between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, in such fields as education, alternative energy, financial cooperation to cope with the economic crisis, disaster management, climate change, and regional security.
The briefing was held in an informal atmosphere, and was followed by interaction with the audience. On the following day (31 July), Foreign Minister Kasit is scheduled to arrange a briefing on the outcome of the recent meetings in Phuket for representatives of the private sector, civil society, and the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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