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Overview of Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministers Meeting

September 8, 2012

　Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Surapong Tovijakchaikul, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, in Vladivostok, Russia, on September 8 for about 20 minutes from 3:30 p.m. on the sidelines of the APEC Summit Meeting. The following is an overview of the bilateral meeting:

  1. At the outset, Minister Gemba expressed his gratitude to Minister Surapong for the financial assistance offered by the Royal Thai government following the torrential rain in the northern part of Kyushu in July and for the hospitality shown to His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito during his visit to Thailand in June. Minister Surapong reiterated his sympathy for the damage caused by downpours in Kyushu and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during her visit to Japan in March.


  2. Referring to the disruption of supply chains in the automobile sector and other industries due to the flood damage caused in Thailand last year, Minister Surapong said his country would like to continue cooperation with Japan on flood control measures. In reply, Minister Gemba said flood control in Thailand was an issue affecting Japanese corporate activities and investment in Thailand, adding that Japan was watching with keen interest the Royal Thai government’s response to the issue.


  3. Both ministers concurred on the importance of developing bilateral cooperation for the improvement of infrastructure in Thailand. Minister Surapong expressed hope for Japanese participation in mega projects in Thailand. Both sides welcomed that the working-level meeting on infrastructure improvement in Thailand was to be held soon.


  4. On regional issues, both ministers shared the recognition that it was important to observe international law and resolve conflict peacefully regarding issues related to the South China Sea. As for Myanmar, they shared the view that the two countries would work with each other in assisting Myanmar’s national races in border areas as well as supporting the country’s democratization.
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