| Visit to Japan
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Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart paid
a visit to Japan on 23-25 November. He held discussions
with Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Cabinet Secretary
Abe, and a number of leading academics. On bilateral
issues, both sides expressed commitment to enhance
relations including the JTEPA. They had a candid
discussion on regional developments and the role
of Japan in East Asia. They also exchanged views
on international issues including the United Nations
reform process and the UNSC.
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Visit to the People's Republic of China
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Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart paid
a working visit to China on 21-23 November. He called
on Premier Wen Jiabao, and held discussions with
State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan and Foreign Minister
Li Zhaoxing. They discussed bilateral cooperation,
and major international and regional developments,
including the future of ASEAN-China relations. They
also exchanged views on the United Nations and the
reform process.
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Visit to the Gulf
Region.
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Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart traveled
to the Gulf region on 15-20 November as Special
Envoy of the Thai Prime Minister to present a letter
of invitation to the reigning Monarchs of Bahrain,
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab
Emirates to participate in the Sixtieth Anniversary
of His Majesty the King of Thailand's Accession
to the Throne to be held in June 2006. |
Dr. Surakiart had an audience of His Majesty the King
of Bahrain and His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar.
He called on the Prime Ministers of Bahrain and Kuwait,
as well as held meetings with his counterparts in the
Gulf region. His visit was an opportunity to expand bilateral
relations and strengthening cooperation between Southeast
Asia and the Gulf region. He also exchanged views on international
developments including the UN reform process.
Dr. Surakiart visited Saudi Arabia.
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Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart held
a productive discussion with the Foreign Minister
of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal Bin Abdul
Aziz Al-Saud. Dr. Surakiart presented a letter of
invitation from the Royal Thai Government to The
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques HM King Abdullah
bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud to participate in the Sixtieth
Anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand's
Accession to the Throne. The meeting took place
on 16 November at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
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Visit to Cambodia 9-10 November
2005
On 9-10 November, Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart visited
Cambodia. Dr. Surakiart accompanied HRH Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand for an audience of His
Majesty the King of Cambodia, Preah Bat Samdech Preah
Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni. He also received HRH Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who graciously presided over
the handing-over of Kampong Chheuteal High School to
the Royal Cambodian Government.
Dr. Surakiart also held a series of meetings with the
Cambodian leadership. He called on Prime Minister Samdech
Hun Sen, held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister Hor Namhong, followed by a working luncheon
with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.
On November 4, Dr. Surakiart traveled to Austin, Texas,
where he gave a public address at The University of Texas
School of Law.
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In his speech, "Peace and Security: The Challenge
and the Promise", Dr. Surakiart assessed the potential
for the existing international legal and institutional
framework to respond to contemporary challenges
to international peace and security such as non-proliferation,
terrorism, and the use of force by states, focusing
on the role of the United Nations. |
He also elaborated on
the linkage between military security and economic
security, as well as on the urgency of serious reform
of the UN. He underscored that " military conflict
can wipe out a generation of economic progress in
an afternoon", and that "only a well-managed and
accountable UN can muster the cooperation necessary
for broader institutional reforms and the new initiatives
necessary to meet today's security threats."
Whilst in Austin, he had the opportunity to exchange
views with various scholars including Provost Sheldon
Ekland-Olson and Professor Karen Engle. Dr. Surakiart
also visited the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential
Library and met with its Director, Betty Sue Flowers,
as well as leading academics of the LBJ School of
Public Policy. |
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On November 2, Dr. Surakiart
was amongst the distinguished guest speakers invited
by The Synergos Institute to participate in the
"University for a Night 2005" event in New York. |
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Guest speakers included Mrs. Corazon
Aquino, Mr. James Wolfensohn, Ms. Hafsat Abiola,
and Mr. Robert Dunn. The theme of the evening, "How
to Create Systemic Change to the Persistent Issues
of Poverty and Inequity" was moderated by Ms. Peggy
Dulany, Chairperson of the Institute. Dr. Surakiart
presented his views on Thailand's experience in
poverty eradication, particularly on initiatives
in creating jobs and income at the grassroots level.
Later in the evening, Dr. Surakiart participated
in a dinner discussion with David Rockefeller, key
philanthropists, and members of The Synergos Institute
on the topic "People-centred Development - New Models
from Thailand".
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University for a Night 2005 and the David Rockefeller
Bridging Leadership Awards
The approach that we have adopted is focusing on
the issue of ownership and empowerment. Ownership
is very important, because you have to make that
the poor feel that they are part of the solution,
not a part of the problem. Empowerment is very important,
because it will make the poverty reduction sustainable.
- Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Deputy Prime Minister,
Royal Thai Government |
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