BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) – Representatives of the European
Union praised Thailand for expanding solutions to illegal, unreported and
unregulated (IUU) fishing in Southeast Asia.
Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanit, spokesman of the Defence
Ministry, said the recognition came from the delegation of Joao Aguiar Machado,
Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission,
who called on Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Mr Machado expressed appreciation towards Thailand’s strong
leaderships in presenting solutions to IUU fishing in the region during its
present roles as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“The European Union is ready to support Thailand’s efforts
to push for solutions to the problem in ASEAN,” Lt Gen Kongcheep said.
Gen Prawit thanked the EU delegation and assured that the
government had seriously tackled IUU fishing and was determined to make
Thailand an IUU-free country for the sake of sustainable marine resources, the
spokesman said.
The EU delegation also arrived to attend the ASEAN Meeting
on Combating IUU Fishing in Partnership with EU set for April 3-4. (TNA)
