1. The Inaugural Session of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Thailand under the Protocol on Consultation and Cooperation was held in Islamabad on 1 July 2010.
2. Mr. Apichart Chinwanno, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, led the Thai delegation. Mr. Masood Khalid, Additional Secretary (Asia & Pacific), at the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Pakistan delegation.
3. The two sides had a comprehensive review of Pakistan-Thailand relations. Noting the traditional warmth and cordiality of bilateral ties, they expressed satisfaction at the continued growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields including trade, commerce, security and defence. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further intensify cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, trade education, science & technology and promote people-to-people contacts. Exploring the need to further promote economic cooperation, the two sides identified pharmaceuticals, gems, construction, halal food, textiles, livestock and footwear as areas of potential cooperation. They agreed on the need for greater interaction between the two private sectors.
4. Both sides also discussed regional issues and matters pertaining to cooperation at the multilateral fora. Pakistan reaffirmed its desire for an enhanced partnership with ASEAN. The Thai delegation gave an overview of the regional issues in South East Asia.
5. The Thai delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them during their stay in Pakistan. The Thai head of delegation also called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan and Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Salman Bashir.
6. It was agreed to hold the next session of Bilateral Consultations in Bangkok in 2011.
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