On 12 April 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who is accompanying Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri (Special Envoy of the Thai Prime Minister) to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), gave a lecture on “Thailand-US Partnership: Reflections on US Re-engagement with Asia” at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, attended a Roundtable luncheon hosted by the US business sectors, exchanged views with Senior Editors and Think Tanks, met with US Under Secretary of State William Burns, and attended a dinner hosted by US Secretary of State in honour of the Ministers who take part in the NSS.
In his speech at SAIS, Foreign Minister Kasit stated the background and latest development of the political and economic situation in Thailand. He reiterated the Royal Thai Government’s determination to solve the current problem with patience and through dialogue as well as legal means. The Government is of the view that the negotiation on resolution of the political problem should open to all stakeholders in the society to take part in the process. The Foreign Minister also talked about the close relationship between Thailand and the US which celebrated the 177 years anniversary this year, which has continuously expanded to cover so many sectors. He pointed out the current US Administration’s policy of “re-engagement with Asia” and mutual benefits of cooperation between the US and countries in the region, in particular ASEAN and major powers in Asia and the Pacific.
During the luncheon hosted by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and the Asia Society in honour of Foreign Minister Kasit and Mr. Kiat Sittheeamorn, President of Thai Trade Representatives (TTR), held at the USCC, the Thai side explained about current political and economic situation in Thailand, and the measures undertaken by the Government to solve the said problems, especially the problems concerning US investment and business in Thailand.
In the afternoon, the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and the President of TTR exchanged views with the Senior Editors and Think Tanks. After that, Foreign Minister Kasit met with Mr. William Burns, Under Secretary of State Department. Both sides discussed about the current political and economic situation in Thailand, and the measures undertaken by the Royal Thai Government to solve the problem.
Later in the evening, the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and President of TTR attended the reception hosted by the US President in honour of the NSS participants. After that, Foreign Minister Kasit took part in the dinner hosted by the US Secretary of State.
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