On 12 July 2010, Mr. Surapong Jayanama, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was assigned by the Foreign Minister to preside over the opening ceremony of the orientation of 80 Thai students who received scholarships from the Egyptian Government to study at Al Azhar University, which is the world’s oldest Islamic university.
The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Dr. Suwat Suwandee, Deputy Rector of Kasembundit University, followed by a remark by the Advisor to the Foreign Minister. Mr. Surapong congratulated the scholarship recipients and emphasized that the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulates-General around the world have the duty to look after the overseas Thai students and assist in solving their problems. He asked the students to study hard and come back to perform their own duties, as well as duties to the family and the society as a whole. The academic excellence is not enough, the students have to improve themselves in all aspects with right conscience. He also asked the students to spend the valuable time in Egypt wisely and wished everyone a success.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined hand with the Islamic Central Committee, the Arab Alumni Students and Kasembundit University in organizing this activity. The first orientation for Al Azhar University was held in October 2009, while this second orientation being held from 11 — 15 July 2010.
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