Press Remark of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
For the Joint Press Conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan
January 17, 2013, 1920hrs
Santi Maitree, Government House
I had discussion with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whose visit marks the first state visit of a Japanese Prime Minister to Thailand in 11 years.
The fact that Prime Minister Abe chose to come to Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia in his first overseas visit, following his assumption of office, shows how significant the ASEAN countries are to Japan. The visit also perfectly coincides with the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations this year.
Prime Minister Abe told me about his policies and visions on economy and foreign affairs. For this, I would like to express commendation and confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Abe, we will see rapid revival of Japanese economy. We will see Japan and ASEAN join forces in nurturing cooperation and growth within the Southeast Asian region.
On economic cooperation between Thailand and Japan, we both agreed to increase cooperation under the existing framework of Japan – Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) on the basis of mutual interest.
On investment, the Japanese investment in Thailand has largely increased by 85% during the first 11 months of last year which reflects the confidence of Japanese businessmen in Thailand. We also discussed SMEs cooperation particularly Japanese SMEs investment in Thailand in such potential areas as green technology, automotive, aircrafts, and energy.
Furthermore, we discussed on the issue of human resources development especially vocational trainings for skilled and semi-skilled labors to accommodate Japanese industries both in Thailand and the region. As for the development of sciences and technology, I would like to stress that hardware, that is, infrastructure, and software, that is, human, must be developed altogether. Details of the matter will be discussed by both parties later.
Prime Minister Abe expressed interest in involving Japan in Thailand’s infrastructure development projects, for example, flood prevention system, and high speed railway project, as well as, Dawei industrial zone which will be a strategic connection between East Asia and such large-scaled markets as Europe and the Middle East. I affirmed Prime Minister Abe that Thailand and Myanmar welcomed Japanese partnership for the Project, and that trilateral dialogue among high level authorities of the three countries must be scheduled soon.
On the regional situation, Prime Minister Abe and I discussed on the wide-ranging issues. We both agreed that Asia is now growing and developing at a rapid pace. All parties must, therefore, join hands in keeping peace and stability to maintain favorable atmosphere for economic development and well-being of the people in the region. Both Prime Minister Abe and I agreed that roles of countries of power are considered significant, and, at the same time, we, Asians, must also be united. Any conflict and dispute should be tackled in a peaceful way based on the mutual interest. We also came to terms with regard to the issues of security reinforcement for marine navigation and conflict on the Korean Peninsula that the Six-Party Talks should quickly be resumed to make Asia a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
Prime Minister Abe and I also reaffirmed our commitment to support each other in applying for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s non-permanent membership for Japan in 2016 and Thailand in 2017.
Finally, I am certain that the official visit of Prime Minister Abe this time, even for a brief period, is remarkably meaningful. It reiterates the intent to further strengthen close relations and strong strategic partnership between the two countries.
Thank you. May I invite Prime Minister Abe to deliver his remark.
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