ID :
38674
Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/38674
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Thailand set to host ASEAN summit Feb 27-March 1
BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) - Thailand, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is prepared to host the regional summit from February 27 through March 1 in Bangkok, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.
After holding talks with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on organising the ASEAN summit, which has been postponed from last month, Dr. Surin, a former Thai foreign minister, said Thailand is now prepared to host the summit between those dates and is awaiting a reply from China.
China, South Korea and Japan, while not formal members of the group, are ASEAN dialogue partners.
Dr. Surin expressed confidence that the summit would help boost Thailand's confidence in regard to the economy, social concerns and politics in relation to the international community.
The ASEAN secretary-general said he had also asked Mr. Kasit to quickly appoint Thailand's permanent representative to ASEAN secretariat office because the liaison role is especially important for both the kingdom and the effective functioning of the regional bloc.
Mr. Kasit, meanwhile, said he would forward the remaining important documents which will be signed during the ASEAN summit for the consideration of Thailand's House of Representatives on January 8 and 9.
The name of Thailand's permanent representative to the ASEAN secretariat will be submitted to the Cabinet meeting Tuesday for endorsement, Mr. Kasit said.
Major issues to be discussed during the ASEAN summit, according to Mr. Kasit, include transnational labour concerns, human trafficking and the ASEAN peacekeeping force. (TNA)
After holding talks with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on organising the ASEAN summit, which has been postponed from last month, Dr. Surin, a former Thai foreign minister, said Thailand is now prepared to host the summit between those dates and is awaiting a reply from China.
China, South Korea and Japan, while not formal members of the group, are ASEAN dialogue partners.
Dr. Surin expressed confidence that the summit would help boost Thailand's confidence in regard to the economy, social concerns and politics in relation to the international community.
The ASEAN secretary-general said he had also asked Mr. Kasit to quickly appoint Thailand's permanent representative to ASEAN secretariat office because the liaison role is especially important for both the kingdom and the effective functioning of the regional bloc.
Mr. Kasit, meanwhile, said he would forward the remaining important documents which will be signed during the ASEAN summit for the consideration of Thailand's House of Representatives on January 8 and 9.
The name of Thailand's permanent representative to the ASEAN secretariat will be submitted to the Cabinet meeting Tuesday for endorsement, Mr. Kasit said.
Major issues to be discussed during the ASEAN summit, according to Mr. Kasit, include transnational labour concerns, human trafficking and the ASEAN peacekeeping force. (TNA)
