On 2 August 2010, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave a lecture on “Relations between Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Muslim Community” held at the Foreign Ministry to the representatives of Thai Muslim from different sectors including religious leaders, community leaders and Muslim media members around 200 persons, in order to inform them about the Foreign Ministry’s role in the relations with Muslim world, promoting Muslim affairs and supporting Thai Muslim community.
Foreign Minister Kasit stated that the Foreign Ministry’s role towards the Muslim world comprised various dimensions, from foreign policy in promoting the political, economic, social and cultural cooperation with the Muslim countries and Muslim international organization such as Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), to matters close to each Muslim i.e. promotion of Hajj affairs, halal food, education and projects for overseas Thai-Muslim students. The Foreign Ministry has also played a crucial role in promoting the relationship between Thailand and the Muslim world. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kasit also mentioned about the Royal Thai Government’s policies to resolve problems in the Southern Border Provinces based on promoting understanding and seeking cooperation with the international community.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs and International Security Unit of the Foreign Ministry to promote mutual understanding between the Foreign Ministry and Muslim representatives from various fields. The event also help in publicizing the Foreign Ministry’s policy to the Muslims.
On this occasion, Mr. Surapong Jayanama, Advisor to the Foreign Minister, and Mr. Teerasak Suwanyod, Managing Director of the Islam Bank of Thailand, also lectured on the related topic. Afterwards, Foreign Minister Kasit hosted lunch to the attendants.
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