On 13 July 2010, Mr. Gianni Vernetti, Italian Member of Parliament, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated that the Royal Thai Government’s determination to bring back the political and economic stability to the country through the five-point reconciliation plan and the second stimulus package. The Government also established a “hot-line” for Thai citizens to share their ideas and participate in the national reform, which will be done until the end of the year, The Thai Foreign Minister expected that the national referendum on constitutional amendment might be held early next year, followed by the new general elections and new government by next spring.
Foreign Minister Kasit further stated that apart from domestic issues, the Thai Government also plans to play more active role internationally as well. Thailand is committed in enhancing the integration of ASEAN through promoting ASEAN connectivity and Free Trade Area, which would help financially and technically in narrowing the economic gap among ASEAN member countries. To become a responsible emerging donor in the international community, Thailand will engage more with humanitarian assistance, disaster management and the UN peacekeeping operations.
Mr. Vernetti expressed his appreciation on Thailand’s rehabilitation progress, and extended an invitation to the Thai Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to participate in the Conference on the Liberal International and Coordinator of the International Network of Democratic Parties, organized by Alliance of Democrats, scheduled to be held on 1 October 2010 in Rome. Regarding Thailand’s economic opportunity, Mr. Vernetti stated that Italy is interested in investing in the development of clean technology in the Kingdom. He also reaffirmed that Italy stands ready to cooperate with Thailand in strengthening the political, economic and social ties between the two nations.
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