On 6 January 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, together with other high ranking officials of the Foreign Ministry met with international relations scholars from leading universities in Thailand to discuss the Government’s foreign policy over the past year as well as emerging challenges and opportunities in the future.
The Foreign Minister began discussions by highlighting the work done by the Government to restore foreign and investor confidence in Thailand as well as to discharge its responsibilities as the ASEAN Chair, including the promotion of human rights as reflected by the establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Prime Minister’s participation, on behalf of ASEAN, in various international fora such as the G-20 summits. In addition, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of strengthening connectivity within the region, and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle transnational crimes and disaster management.
Wide ranging discussions were also held, especially on the importance of promoting a better understanding of foreign affairs and the work of the Foreign Ministry among the public at large, including those in outlying areas, given the increasingly globalised world in which we live. In this connection, more public diplomacy activities should be undertaken, especially by the Foreign Ministry’s regional passport offices throughout the country, to increase public awareness about foreign affairs and the effect it has on their lives. In this regard, the Foreign Minister also underscored the increasing role of civil society organizations in foreign affairs.
Looking ahead, the participants agreed to promote closer cooperation and interaction between the Foreign Ministry and tertiary educational institutions, especially in the sharing of information, and that regular meetings between them should be held in the future.
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