Remarks by H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
at the Gala Reception “Weaving the Friendship of the Two Lands”
on 14 August 2013, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok
Your Excellency อู วันนะ หม่อง ลวิน, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar,
Your Excellency อู ยุ้น ส่วย, Chairman of the Myanmar — Thai Association for Friendship,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
สวัสดีครับ มิงกะลาบา and a very good evening,
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome all of you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this special event to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Myanmar.
I also wish to sincerely thank Foreign Minister วันนะ หม่อง ลวิน for gracing this occasion as Guest of Honour this evening.
Distinguished Guests,
Thailand — Myanmar relations actually goes beyond the 65 years. Our historical ties are centuries-old.
I find no better words to capture this relationship more than that of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s upon his State Visit to Myanmar in 1960.
And here I quote “both countries had learned from their past and should promote our current goodwill and friendship for the benefits of our peoples into the future.” and “both countries would prove to the world that we were the best of neighbours, living together in peace and for mutual benefits.”
His Majesty had also stated that the warm welcome he received from the Myanmar people signified that both our peoples were bound together by friendship, sharing the same aspiration of peace and liberation.
It is therefore fitting that we celebrate this occasion under the theme, “Weaving the Friendship of the Two Lands.” But to me, I feel that Thailand and Myanmar are bound together as “two lands, one fabric.”
So we should strive to make this relationship a seamless one.
Just as Thai and Myanmar textiles share similar designs and patterns, our relations is about sharing and building a common future together.
Each may have unique and distinct characteristics but I believe it can be woven together in the spirit of friendship, understanding of differences, mutual respect, and mutual interests.
Distinguished Guests,
During the past two years, the world has witnessed and applauded the changes in Myanmar. These remarkable reforms reflect the decision of the people and owe much to the courage and leadership of President Thein Sein.
Thailand is fully supportive of Myanmar’s reforms and national reconciliation process. We applaud Myanmar’s efforts in promoting inclusive participation from all sides, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, which would be very important for the country’s development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In sharing the longest border with Myanmar, Thailand attaches great importance to promoting border area development and connectivity between our two countries.
Last year, our bilateral trade amounted to more than 6.8 billion USD with over 85 percent transacted through our border. Thailand also remains a top investor in Myanmar. And we intend to fully support our private sector to ensure that these trends grow even further. We also envisage greater cross-border flows of tourists and peoples.
It is our Government’s top priority to work closely with Myanmar to turn our border into the “border of peace, development and prosperity,” paving the way toward the successful ASEAN Community in 2015.
As this region is bound together by shared destiny, connectivity will be the heart of regional integration. And the development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone will also open up new economic opportunities for the region and beyond.
Distinguished Guests,
Before I conclude, I would like to mention that today’s event would not have been possible without the cooperation of our various partners.
I would like to thank the Myanmar Embassy for the delicious Myanmar traditional food, and thank the Foto United Group for the spectacular photo exhibition.
Last but not least, I would also like to thank all the participating Thai companies for their kind support for this special event as well as for their important roles in promoting economic ties between our two countries.
As we celebrate an important milestone in our relationship, I look forward to seeing the Thailand — Myanmar friendship and cooperation grow from strength to strength.
Thank you very much. ขอบคุณครับ
กองการสื่อมวลชน กรมสารนิเทศ กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ โทร. 643-5170 โทรสาร. 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th--จบ--