On 7 August 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over and delivered opening remarks for a seminar titled “Thailand and the Philippines: Ties beyond Times.” Mr. Antonio Venus Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand, and Mr. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhya, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines were among the invited guests attending the seminar.
Foreign Minister Kasit expressed his condolences on behalf of the Royal Thai Government to the government and people of the Philippines on the passing away of Mrs. Corazon Aquino, the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines, and praised her as a world renowned champion of democracy and peace.
Foreign Minister Kasit said that the seminar, as part of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Philippines, was a good opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their mutual trust and understanding. The seminar’s topic signifies people-to-people relations, which was an important key in the long lasting friendship between the two countries. This seminar would be an opportunity to share and exchange views to enhance ASEAN community-building and to promote a people-centered ASEAN.
Foreign Minister Kasit added that the bilateral relations between the two countries have always been based on mutual trust and understanding. Over the past 60 years, the two countries shared the common aspiration of a democratic society, in which the people enjoy their freedom and rights. The two countries were also bonded together in the face of common challenges. This auspicious anniversary is highlighted by the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn to the Philippines in November and the Thai Prime Minister’s official visit to the Philippines.
The seminar was organized in two sessions: “Thailand-Philippines Relations in the Historical Context” and “Moving Forward.” It was hosted by the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines in Bangkok.
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