On 29 October 2009, the Ambassadors to Thailand of Canada, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, paid separate courtesy calls on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of their assumption of office, at the Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Ron Hoffman of Canada expressed his intention to continue strengthening cooperation in business, trade and investment with Thailand. Both sides also exchanged views on democratic development in Myanmar and agreed that development and technical assistance to Myanmar would further support the democratic process.
Ambassador Michelangelo Pipan of Italy reiterated the cordial relations between the two countries and wished to continue working closely with the Thai Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Kasit expressed Thailand’s readiness to host the Thai-Italy Joint Commission next year to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas that Italy has expertise such as SMEs management, designing and brand name creativity. The Foreign Minister also proposed political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries.
During his meeting with Ambassador Johannes Peterlik of Austria, Foreign Minister Kasit welcomed the Ambassador’s assumption of office and urged both sides to enhance the bilateral relations. He also wished to have a chance to visit Austria next year. Ambassador Peterlik informed Foreign Minister Kasit of his invitation extended to the President of Thai Trade Representative Kiat Sithi-amorn to visit Austria. He expressed satisfaction with the present scientific cooperation between the two countries and recommended Thailand to cooperate with Austria in the areas which Austria has high expertise such as science and renewable energy. Foreign Minister Kasit encouraged the Austrian companies to invest in Thai domestic market of clean energy as the Royal Thai Government currently promotes bio-energy. Both sides also discussed the situation of Southern Border Provinces of Thailand as well as various multilateral issues including mutual support of the two countries within the UN framework and Thailand’s active participation in civilization and interfaith dialogues.
During the meeting between Foreign Minister Kasit and Ambassador Schraner of Switzerland, the Ambassador raised the issue of pending free trade agreement between the two countries. In response, Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated the Royal Thai Government’s adherence to trade liberalization and its intension to pursue the matter. He agreed to look into the matter with the International Economic Policy Committee, which is the mechanism responsible for overseeing the kingdom’s free trade agreements. Both sides agreed upon strengthening human rights policy through cooperation, education, as well as knowledge and experience sharing. In addition, both sides also concurred with the idea to arrange a meeting of the Swiss multinational corporations (MNCs) in Thailand to exchange views and experiences on their investment in the kingdom.
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