KOTA KINABALU, Jan 27 — Thailand's permanent secretary for foreign affairs and senior officials met here to prepare for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) tomorrow.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with senior officials in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, before Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn will participate in the AMM Retreat tomorrow to brainstorm ideas on the formation of the ASEAN Community late this year.
Before the meeting, Mr Sihasak said that Thailand and Malaysia, the host, shared many priorities including liberal trade and amendments to laws and regulations in some countries to facilitate it. They also emphasize solving transnational crimes, labour problems related to neighboring countries and narcotics.
"I expect that Thailand will also take the opportunity to talk with Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar to exchange information about bilateral meetings," Mr Sihasak said.
He does not think that Thai political situations will affect Thailand's roles as a coordinator between China and ASEAN on conflicts in the South China Sea.
Thailand had been praised for relieving tensions in international issues and pushing for constructive dialogues and understanding, Mr Sihasak said. (MCOT online news)
