During 24-26 June 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya visited Austria and Slovak to meet with high level officials from the legislative and executive branches, international organizations, and private sector to explain the current political situation in Thailand and to discuss ways and means to enhance the bilateral cooperation.
On 24 June 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit called on Mr. Martin Graf, the 3rd President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, and Mr. Peter Mitterer, President of Federal Council of the Austrian Parliament. The Foreign Minister took this opportunity to explain the latest development of Thailand’s political situation, especially the Royal Thai Government’s determination in undertaking the five-point reconciliation plan. He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment in the democratic and parliamentary system, and stated that Thailand is interested in Austria’s best practices in administrating the country with good governance and transparency. The Thai Foreign Minister also had a working lunch with members of Austria Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways and means to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in the areas that Austria has expertise i.e. transportation, alternative energy, medical and medical equipment, and biotechnology. The Austrian businessmen expressed their confidence in the Thai Government’s policies to strengthen its relationship with private sector for the mutual trade and investment benefit.
During his visit to Vienna, Foreign Minister Kasit attended the meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and gave a keynote speech stressing the key of confidence building in the region that should not let the history be obstacles for good relations between countries in the region but the countries concerned have to further strengthen their cooperation to move forward together, and this should be implemented in line with the promotion of fundamental democratic principle and human rights in the region. Foreign Minister Kasit also talked about the ASEAN Charter and the foundation of ASEAN Community as success stories for confidence building in the region. He stated that despite the ASEAN member countries had historical conflict during the Vietnam War, nowadays the ASEAN member countries, particularly Thailand and Vietnam have close and cordial ties, and the cooperation between the ASEAN and the OSCE in sharing best practices would bring mutual benefit for both sides. In addition, he reaffirmed Thailand’s determination in implementing social reform and reconciliation plan based on democratic principle and being an open society.
The Thai Foreign Minister also met with Ms. Beatrix Karl, Federal Minister of Science and Research of Austria, Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director-General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Mr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). He exchanged views with those counterparts on how to further strengthen ties and cooperation between Thailand and Austria as well as Thailand and international organizations, especially under the United Nations’ framework. Thailand would like to further cooperate with those agencies in training Thai officials in the areas of science and technology, peaceful use of nuclear power, and green industry.
On the following day, Foreign Minister Kasit travelled from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovak, to meet with Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, his Slovak’s counterpart. He took this opportunity to explain the latter about the current political situation in Thailand, to know more about one another, and to promote bilateral relations between the two countries. Later, Foreign Minister Kasit met with Mr. Alexander Rozin, Honorary Consul-General in Bratislava, to exchange views on trade, investment, and tourism promotion between the two countries.
On 26 June 2003, the Thai Foreign Minister met with Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Austrian Foreign Minister, and thanked the Austrian side for supporting Thailand during the election campaign for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). He also explained the latest development of Thai politics and the current situation in Thailand. He reaffirmed Thailand’s determination towards reconciliation plan, social and political reform with transparency and adherence to the rule of law. Both sides agreed to revise an air services agreement to promote trade, investment, tourism, and air transportation between the two countries.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Kasit also presided over the Meeting of Thai Ambassadors and Consuls-General in Europe on the theme “Science and Technology, education and Think Tank”.
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