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May
2006.
Dr. Surakiart received Thai Muslim
Students of the 3 southernmost provinces of Thailand,
18 May 2006
Dr. Surakiart received Thai Muslim students from the
three southernmost provinces of Thailand on at the Office
of the Prime Minister. Over 20 Thai Muslim students
are on a training course and a study visit sponsored
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As Deputy Prime
Minister overseeing foreign affairs, Dr. Surakiart conveyed
to the students of their important role in reinforcing
the work of the Foreign Ministry in intensifying cooperation
with the Muslim community. He expounded his views on
learning to live with differences in promoting a culture
of peace and harmony. He gave an account of the various
initiatives he had undertaken in reaching out to the
Muslim community in Thailand and the world. Such initiatives
include the establishment of the Islamic Bank, and linking
the curriculum of Al-Azhar with universities in southern
Thailand.
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April
2006.
Following the dissolution of Parliament on 24 February
and the holding of national elections on 2 April, the
Thai Rak Thai Party of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
won an overall majority.
The National Election Commission is expected to make
an official announcement of the election outcome within
30 days after the polling day. After the official outcome
is announced, the House of Representatives will meet
to elect the new Prime Minister, which can be expected
to take place in early May. The new Prime Minister will
then form the new cabinet and have his new cabinet sworn
in before His Majesty the King.
According to the Thai Constitution, the present cabinet
shall remain in office until the new cabinet is sworn
in.
Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai remains Deputy Prime Minister
until the new cabinet is formed and sworn in.
Dr. Surakiart promotes religious
diversity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Surakiart has been entrusted by the Royal Thai
Government to chair the committee overseeing the renovation
of over 150 sacred sites which have histories related
to the Chakri Royal Dynasty in honour of the 60th Anniversary
of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s Accession
to the Throne. Dr. Surakiart has been overseeing the
restoration sites which are sacred to the five faiths
practiced in Thailand, namely Buddhism, Christianity,
Islam, Brahman-Hinduism, and Sikhism. The restoration
and preservation of religious sites include Buddhist
Temples, Christian Churches, Islamic Mosques, and many
sacred shrines. In so doing, he has been holding dialogues
with the leaders of the various faiths to uphold respect
for the common heritage.
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| Second
Meeting of Representatives of Leaders’ Network in
Support of UN Reform, Bangkok, 24 April 2006. |
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On 24 April, Dr. Surakiart hosted an
informal meeting over luncheon for the Representatives
of the Leaders’ Network in Support of UN Reform
in Bangkok. Attending this second meeting were 14 Special
Envoys entrusted by their respective leaders as well
as the representatives of the UN Secretary-General and
the President of the UN General Assembly.
Dr. Surakiart and the Leaders’ Representatives
exchanged views on the core issues of the Network’s
concern pertaining to the reform process, particularly
on development and ECOSOC reform, management reform,
UNSC reform, terrorism, UNGA revitalization and system-wide
coherence. Dr. Surakiart stressed the ever increasing
importance of the Network’s role in facilitating
the UN reform process. They discussed Dr. Surakiart’s
proposals on practical ways and means of addressing
contentious issues to maintain the momentum of the UN
reform process. The proposals include:
First, the role of the Network should be further strengthened
to exercise political leadership in view of the current
polarized situation in the negotiations on UN reform.
Second, to establish Friends of Leaders’ Network.
Each member of the Network could encourage its friends
in the respective regions and groupings to identify
important issues on UN reform that need to be pushed
forward.
Third, to present the outcome of the Network’s
meeting to the President of the UN General Assembly.
The Leaders’ Network was initiated by Swedish
Prime Minister Goran Persson at the 2005 World Summit
(High-Level Plenary Meeting-HLPM) which was strongly
supported by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Network comprises 14 Leaders from various regions,
namely Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Gabon, India, Indonesia,
Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey,
Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Its first meeting was
held in Stockholm in November 2005. |
Visit to Bahrain, 24-26 April
2006
Dr. Surakiart paid an official visit to Bahrain as
guest of His Highness Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa
bin Salman Al-Khalifa. Dr. Surakiart presided over the
inauguration of the Thai Business Center and signed
the Air Services Agreement with the Bahraini Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation.
He had a productive exchange of views with His Highness
the Prime Minister as well as with Foreign Minister
Shaikh Khalid. They discussed bilateral and regional
issues as well as international developments. They assessed
the UN reform process and the selection process of the
next UN Secretary-General. They discussed the ASEAN
strategy for Dr. Surakiart’s candidature and the
positive developments of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) towards his candidature. The GCC comprises Bahrain,
Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates.
He also had an audience of His Highness Shaikh Salman
bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the Commander-in-Chief
of the Bahrain Defence Force. They exchanged views on
bilateral cooperation and global trends in security,
terrorism, and economic development.
Visit of President of Gabon to
Thailand, 28-30 April.
On 30 April, Dr. Surakiart and Thanpuying Suthawan
called on the President of Gabon and Madame Bongo Ondimba
upon their visit to Thailand. The President and Dr.
Surakiart exchanged views on global and regional developments.
Dr. Surakiart praised the President for his leadership
role in the African region and expressed appreciation
for Africa’s support for the turn of Asia for
the position of United Nations Secretary-General. They
also discussed avenues of strengthening bilateral relations,
particularly in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture,
and technical cooperation.
Dr. Surakiart and Thanpuying Suthawan also received
Gabonese Foreign Minister Ping and his wife. Dr. Surakiart
and Foreign Minister Ping had a productive discussion
on international developments, including the UN reform
process and the UNSG selection process. |
| March
2006.
On 16 March, Mozambique Foreign Minister Dr. Alcinda
Antonio de Abreu met with Dr. Surakiart upon her official
visit to Thailand. They discussed bilateral relations
and preparations for the upcoming visit of the President
of Mozambique. On technical cooperation, they identified
areas in strengthening the exchange of experiences,
particularly in fishery, public health, education and
poverty eradication projects. They also exchanged views
on international developments and the UN reform process.
The Mozambique Foreign Minister reiterated Africa’s
support for Asia’s turn for the position of United
Nations Secretary-General. |
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Upon the official visit
to Thailand of Lithuanian President Valdus Adamkus on
2-3 March, Dr. Surakiart participated in the high-level
discussions which covered bilateral and multilateral issues,
including the UN reform process. Dr. Surakiart also exchanged
views with leading personalities accompanying the Lithuanian
President including Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis. |
As ASEAN candidate,
Dr. Surakiart hosted a working luncheon with the Bangkok-based
ASEAN envoys. He informed them on the latest developments
and exchanged views on the ASEAN strategy to build on
the momentum of support. The ASEAN envoys reaffirmed ASEAN’s
endorsement and full support for Surakiart’s candidacy.
Dr. Surakiart has also been exchanging views with Bangkok-based
envoys and visiting senior government officials and other
stakeholders. |
February
2006. |
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Chulalongkorn
University Faculty of Law Alumni Association congratulates
and supports Dr.Surakiart
The Faculty of Law Chulalongkorn University Alumni
Association, led by its President, Mr. Chulasing Vasantasing,
Deputy Attorney-General, held a dinner-talk February
21, 2006 in honour of Dr. Surakiart who was an alumnus
(First Class Honour and Gold Medal), a faculty member
and Dean of the Faculty.
The event, attended by more than 500 people, both alumni
and non-alumni, was to congratulate and show support
from all the alumni and friends to Dr.Surakiart for
being the Thai and ASEAN candidate to seek the post
of UN Secretary-General. |
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The event was well attended
by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, former President
of the National Assembly, President of Chulalongkorn University,
former Deans of the Faculty, law and political science
academicians, NGO leaders, private sector executives,
alumni, Dr. Surakiart’s friends, formers students
and colleagues, and members of the press.
The over 500 people (more than the organizers had expected)
listened to Dr.Surakiart’s almost 2 hours speech
on his reasons for standing as a candidate and his views
on UN reforms. They gave him a standing ovation (which
was unusual and uncommon in the Thai tradition), followed
by line of supporters wishing him well with flowers. |
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Upon the State
Visits to Thailand of Their Majesties the King and Queen
of Spain as well as H.E. the President of France, Dr.
Surakiart participated in the high-level discussions.
He had the opportunity to meet with key cabinet ministers
of the French Government including Foreign Minister
Douste-Blazy, and Defence Minister Alliot-Marie. He
also delivered the introductory remarks in French organized
by the Franco-Thai business community in honour of H.E.
President Jacques Chirac.
At the sidelines of the State Visit of HM King of Spain,
Dr. Surakairt held discussions with the Spanish Foreign
Minister Moratinos on the UN reform process.
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Dr. Surakiart also met with a number of
dignitaries upon their visits to Thailand. Dignitaries
included Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Jayakumar and
Peruvian Foreign Minister Oscar de Romana. The discussions
focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments
and the UN reform process. He also exchanged views with
Asian Development Bank Vice President Liqun Jin on the
ADB’s developments strategy in Southeast Asia as
well as its role in the development of the Asian Bond
Market. |
| January 2006.
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Throughout
the month of January, Dr. Surakiart met with dignitaries
upon their visits to Thailand. He discussed European affairs,
developments in Asia and the UN reform process with Luxembourg
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn
as well as with Swedish Foreign Minister Laila Freivalds.
He had an extensive discussion with Swedish State Minister
Lars Danielsson on the UN reform process, the Leaders’
Network including Thailand’s role in that forum,
and progress on the implementation of World Summit Outcome.
He
received a number of his Asian colleagues including Laotian
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Somsavat, and Japanese
Senior-Vice Minister Shiozaki. They discussed bilateral
cooperation, regional and international developments,
including the UN reform process.
At
the start of 2006, Dr. Surakiart exchanged views with
members of the Thai and foreign media. He also received
Mr. Henry Dormann, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leaders’
Magazine, with whom he discussed preparations for the
60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King
of Thailand’s Accession to the Throne, the growth
of the tourism industry in Thailand, as well as regional
and international affairs. |
| December 2005.
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Dr.
Surakiart presided over the Commemorative Ceremony Tsunami
on 26 December 2005 in Krabi Province. He recalled how
the collective strength of concern, compassion, sacrifice
and the “outpouring of the heart” by the Thai
people of all walks of lives, regardless of status, race
and religion, contributed to the recovery process. He
drew attention to the tragedy and the path towards its
recovery as a reminder to the international community
that at “times of natural disaster, no-one can be
left to stand alone. Sufferings are overcome when all
of us, Government and non-Government alike, make collective
and concerted efforts to do so.”
Upon
the official visits to Thailand of HM the King of Jordan,
the President of Indonesia, and HH the Prime Minister
of Bahrain, Dr. Surakiart participated in the high-level
discussions. He also held discussions with Indonesian
Foreign Minister Hassan on the ASEAN strategy for his
candidacy. |
| Asia Society Address.
On 9 June, Dr. Surakiart delivered the Opening Address
at the Asia Society's 15th Corporate Conference in Bangkok
which focused on the rise of Southeast Asia and the
broader rise of Asia in international society. It was
an opportunity for Dr. Surakiart to further elaborate
on the theme that the rise of Southeast Asia is changing
Asia, as the rise of Asia is changing the world, and
that the changes in Asia must benefit the world. Moreover,
he stressed his belief in regional building blocks as
an important component of effective multilateralism. |
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When in Bangkok, Dr. Surakiart also met with various
distinguished visitors to Thailand. He participated
in high level discussions with the President of Gambia,
and held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister
of Pakistan, former US Secretary of State Colin Powell
and other visiting US personalities.
There was a good discussion on regional cooperation
and the OSCE's role in promoting democracy and good
governance with OSCE Secretary-General Jan Kubis.
He also exchanged views on UN reform with Ms. Yoriko
Kawaguchi, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan
and Mr. Choi Sung hoi, Special Envoy of the South Korean
Government.
Dr. Surakiart accompanied US Secretary of State Rice
on her visit to Phuket to visit the areas affected by
the Tsunami of December 2004, as part of his ongoing
involvement in national efforts to promote reconstruction
and rehabilitation, and to establish national and
regional capabilities in early warning and preparedness.
Dr. Surakiart hosted lunch in honour of Secretary Rice
and participated in a joint press conference during
which he expressed praise for the continued US assistance
for the reconstruction efforts in the rebuilding of
affected communities.
Throughout the last week of July and early August,
Dr. Surakiart held substantive discussions with the
Foreign Ministers of Australia and Timor-Leste on developments
in Asia and the UN reform process. He also exchanged
views with UK State Minister on European affairs and
discussed global macro economic concerns with
the OECD Deputy Secretary-General.
Dr. Surakiart addressed a seminar on people with
disabilities in which he stressed regional and international
cooperation on the rights of the disabled and their
integration into society.
Again, on World Habitat Day 2005, Dr. Surakiart delivered
a keynote address at the opening of an international
seminar on "Housing Security for All: All for Housing
Security". He stressed that the UN Millennium Development
Goals and sustainable development must be achieved through
the North-South partnership as much as South-South partnership.
The key to success in sustainable development must lie
in the tripartite partnership between the government,
the people, and the private sector. Dr. Surakiart elaborated
on Thailand's highly innovative "demand driven" housing
scheme known as "Secure Housing Programme" which is
based on tripartite partnership of government, the poor
communities and the civil society in the planning, the
design, and the decision making of each existing community.
By supporting the communities to be owners of their
own developmental process, the Government is investing
in its human resources and contributing to the strengthening
of democracy.
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