On 3 March 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya visited Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire (CERN), one of the world’s largest centres for scientific research on fundamental physics. At CERN, advance complex scientific instruments are used to study the basic constituents of matter — the fundamental particles. By studying what happens when these particles collide, physicists learn about the laws of Nature. Founded in 1954, the CERN Laboratory sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. During the visit Foreign Minister Kasit discussed ways and means to promote closer collaboration between Thailand and CERN as well as possible avenues to promote scientific research and development in Thailand.
Foreign Minister Kasit had a working lunch with a number of bankers from various Swiss bank during which he briefed the banks and answered questions regarding the present political and economic situation in Thailand. In particular, the Foreign Minister described the present government’s policies to promote democracy, human rights and good governance in Thailand as well as the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and stability in the country.
Afterwards, Foreign Minister Kasit had a bilateral discussion with Mrs. Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner on Human Rights. Discussions cover issues relating to development on human rights in Thailand and the region including the establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, the upcoming Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection on Human Rights, which will be held in Bangkok, and the candidature of Thailand to the HRC for the term 2010-2013
Foreign Minister Kasit also participated in a round table discussion with representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and exchanged views on issues relating to global migration issues, IOM reform process, the role of Thailand and ASEAN with regard to the issues of migration and development, IOM perspective on Thailand migration related policies, and possible cooperation in this area.
In addition, Foreign Minister Kasit paid a courtesy call to Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. Discussions covered the promotion of cooperation in the field of health between Thailand and the WHO to assist other developing countries (such as in assisting another developing country in a South-South cooperation) with an emphasis on cooperation with neighbouring countries in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, technical assistance for countries in Africa, and assistance to help Haiti recover from the earthquake disaster. Moreover, the two sides exchanged views on practical measures to help increase access to medicine, cooperation on drug research and development between developing countries, as well as the cooperation from the WHO which has enabled Thailand to develop and produce influenza vaccines.
Finally, Foreign Minister Kasit met with Ms. Chinami Nishimura, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Discussions covered issues relating to developments on human rights in the region, the roles of Japan and Thailand, the promotion of cooperation in bilateral, Mekong sub-regional and ASEAN contexts, as well as the candidature of Thailand to the HRC.
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