Asia

On September 25, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Tanasak Patimapragon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, during Minister Kishida's visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

 

1. Minister Kishida said that Japan and Thailand have been enjoying a friendly relationship for many years and that he also  would like to strengthen the cooperative relationship with the new Government of Thailand.  He  also expressed his expectation that Thailand  would  move forward  democratization in line with the "roadmap" on restoring  democracy.  

 

2. Minister Kishida also said that the Government of Japan attaches importance  on strengthening economic relations with Thailand, and he once again requested to ensure  an investment environment that is transparent and fair to Japanese companies. He also requested and that restrictions on food imports imposed after the Great East Japan Earthquake in connection with radioactive materials should be  lifted promptly. 

 

3. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Patimapragon explained the initiatives the new Government of Thailand is pursuing toward democratization, and said Thailand would like  to restore  a complete  democracy in accordance with the "roadmap." He  also stated that, in light of the long and close friendly relationship between Japan and Thailand, Thailand would like  to strengthen its close cooperative relationship with Japan, including in the economic field, and promisedto create an investment environment that is fair and transparent to Japanese companies.