On 25 September 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya co-chaired the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Ministerial Meeting as well as took part in the ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting and the 4th Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace. He also had bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Egypt, Kazakhstan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and San Marino.
The ASEAN-MERCOSUR Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of Thailand (coordinating country of ASEAN-MERCOSUR) and Uruguay.
Both sides exchanged views on ways and means to strengthen the cooperation between ASEAN and MERCOSUR. Areas of future cooperation might include sea and air transportation, reforestation, alternative and renewable energy, hydroelectric power and fisheries among others. The Meeting requested the senior officials of the two sides to complete the plan of action and identify priority areas and submit it to the next ministerial meeting to be held in Thailand in June 2010.
As for the ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting, the Meeting concurred that a two year action plan (2010-2011) should be put in place to enhance closer cooperation. The secretariats of the two organizations would coordinate with the respective member countries so that the work plan could be considered at the next ASEAN-GCC Ministerial Meeting in Singapore late May-early June 2010.
As for the 4th Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace, the Meeting discussed the follow-up measures to the “2005 Declaration on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace”, particularly on promoting understanding and tolerance of different religions/faiths. The Meeting agreed that the 2nd Informal Summit of Leaders on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace to review the progress of cooperation should be held at the margins of the 65th Session of the UNGA in 2010.
During the Meeting with Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, his Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Kasit discussed the idea of using Royal Thai Embassy in Egypt as Thailand’s “regional center” and Thailand’s hub for businesses in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Thailand also appreciated Egypt’s annual scholarships granted to Thai Muslim students to study at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Currently, there are nearly 2,500 Thai students in Egypt. Both sides also exchanged views on cooperation in the framework of Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Foreign Minister Gheit also invited Foreign Minister Kasit to visit Egypt.
At the meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj, both sides exchanged views on ways and means to strengthen cooperation. Possible areas include energy, agricultural products, furniture, automobile parts, construction and engineering work, tourism and cultural exchange. Thailand might consider sending a group of Thai Muslim youths to further their education in Bosnia. The Bosnian Foreign Minister welcomed the said idea.
During the meeting with Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, the Kazakhstan side expressed interest in strengthening cooperation both bilaterally and with ASEAN. He also sought ASEAN support for Kazakhstan’s draft resolution regarding dedicating 29 August as an international nuclear-free day. On this issue, Foreign Minister Kasit expressed Thailand’s support and also suggested that Kazakhstan could consider taking part in SEANWFZ. As for bilateral level, possible areas of cooperation for the two countries could include energy sector, scientific research, and people-to-people contacts. The two sides also agreed to consider establishing a political consultation mechanism in the future.
At the meeting with Foreign Minister Antonella Mularoni of San Marino, Foreign Minister Kasit reaffirmed that the Thai authorities have agreed in principle that holders of San Marino’s passports would be able to receive “visa on arrival” to stay in Thailand for 15 days. The Thai Foreign Ministry would also follow up with the authorities concerned on San Marino’s proposal on the Agreement for the Avoidance of the Double Taxation and the Prevention of Physical Evasion. The Thai side also suggested that both sides could enhance cooperation in the fields of people-to-people and heritage preservation.
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