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USA Visit. ( 27 April- 3 May)
Launching his listening tour as the key part of his campaign,
Dr. Surakiart paid a visit to the United States as the
first stop of the tour. In New York, he participated in
a breakfast meeting at the Council on Foreign Relations
during which he shared his insights on recent developments
in Asia. Various sessions were organized with groups of
ambassadors and permanent representatives to make introductions
and provide updates on the campaign. Dr. Surakiart also
brainstormed with a group of eminent academics and personalities,
including Prof. Joseph Stiglitz, Prof. Thomas Franck and
Mrs. Mary Robinson on key issues in global governance,
including reform of international human rights and
economic mechanisms and poverty alleviation. In Washington
D.C., he participated in a session with the Heritage Foundation,
during which there was extensive exchange on ideas for
improving the effectiveness of the UN. He also exchanged
views on UN reform with Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, and other
key personalities from the Administration and Congress. |
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Russia Visit.
On 12-14 May, Dr. Surakiart visited Russia and held discussions
with Secretary of the National Security Council Igor Ivanov
and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov on issues
of UN reform, and how the process could contribute to
effectiveness, transparency and credibility of
the UN. At the Press Conference at the end of the Meeting
with Minister Lavrov, the Russian side expressed support
for Asia's turn. Dr. Surakiart also exchanged views with
the Council for National Strategy on the future of
the UN and Russia's concerns on UN reform, in particular
the role of specialized agencies, NGOs and promoting
understanding between cultures and civilizations. |
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United Kingdom Visit.
On 17 May, Dr. Surakiart met British Foreign Secretary
Jack Straw and touched base on key developments in the
UNSG campaign. |
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Jordan Visit.
On 18-19 May, Dr. Surakiart attended the Petra Conference
of Nobel Laureates in Jordan. Organized by the Jordanian
Government and the Foundation for Humanity, invitees included
over 35 Nobel Laureates, Statesmen and leading heads of
civil society. Dr. Surakiart actively participated in
the discussion group on Economic Development and Poverty,
which had an intensive debate on financing development
and measures for poverty eradication and sustainable
development. Dr. Surakiart presented his views on
strengthening local economies and human development. He
suggested innovative means of financing development, including
micro-credit initiatives, which drew the attention
of the Nobel Laureates. He elaborated on the principles
of "self help" and "partnership" with developed nations
in assisting neighbouring countries as well as the importance
of exchanging best practices and South-South cooperation.
Whilst in Jordan, Dr. Surakiart was granted an audience
with HM King Abdullah and held extensive discussions with
Jordanian leaders on a wide range of topics from poverty
eradication to the promotion of peace and security
including in the Middle East, and from communicable
diseases to the development of financial markets.
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Visit to Bahrain.
In Bahrain on 20 May, Dr. Surakiart held discussions with
the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers on the contribution
of Asia to global peace and prosperity, as well as
the UN reform process including the UNSG campaign strategy.
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Visit to Italy.
Whilst in Italy on 27-29 May, Dr. Surakiart discussed
UN reform with the Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister
and the Deputy Foreign Minister, in particular the importance
of guiding principles for the reform process. During his
discussions with the Secretary for Relations with States
of the Holy See, there was an active exchange on how
the UN could be a moral centre for action, and be
more effective in addressing humanitarian issues.
In particular, Dr. Surakiart praised the role of the Vatican
in promoting the culture of peace, and saw its great potential
for promoting tolerance and the voice of moderation as
a means of addressing extremism and terrorism. He aims
to continue the useful discussions with the Holy See and
the major religions as the campaign progresses. |
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Visit to Central Asia.
Dr. Surakiart went on to visit the Central Asian states
of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
on 30 May-3 June, and discussed UN reform and the UN,
including the role of the UN in promoting peace and stability
in Central Asia, such as through supporting regional cooperation
and sustainable development activities. |
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