Asia

On December 15, commencing at 2:10 p.m. for about 20 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Niwattahamrong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, who was visiting Japan on behalf of Prime Minister Yingluck of Thailand, to attend the ASEAN-JAPAN Commemorative Summit. The overview of their conversation is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s cooperation on the successful outcome of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit including its documents. Prime Minister Abe stated that, although he regretted that Prime Minister Yingluck could not come to Japan due to the current situation in Thailand, he was pleased to see Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong. Prime Minister Abe expressed the intention of Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation under the strategic partnership between Japan and Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister Niwattahmrong congratulated the success of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit and the Mekong-Japan Summit, praising Prime Minister Abe's leadership in these fora. Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong passed on Prime Minister Yingluck’s message to Prime Minister Abe of her regrets for not being able to attend the summit meeting and her conviction that the bilateral relationship will continue to grow stronger.


2. Prime Minister Abe expressed deep concerns over the fact that the large-scale demonstrations in Thailand has resulted in deaths and injuries as well as the occupation of public facilities, and expressed his strong hope that the issue be resolved peacefully and the election be held in a fair and smooth manner. He requested that the safety of Japanese people and companies in Thailand be adequately considered. Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong, appreciating Japan’s interest in the situation, stated that the decision by Prime Minister Yingluck to dissolve the House of Representatives was the best choice under democratic rule, and that the Thai government has been acting with restraint. He assured the Japanese side that the Thai government is committed to the safety of foreigners and foreign companies, including Japanese.


3. Prime Minister Abe stated that a high level of interest exists among the Japanese, as mentioned in the previous summit meetings, in the railway and satellite projects in Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong stated that Thailand has great expectations for Japanese technology and expertise in this regard.


4. Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong congratulated the selection of Tokyo as the host city of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for Thailand’s support.