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2009/02/07
Okada meets Thai PM, discusses strengthening friendly relations between Japan and Thailand
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On February 7, DPJ Vice President Katsuya Okada met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva.
At the start of the meeting, Okada expressed his pleasure at being able to meet Abhisit again and welcomed him to Japan. After Okada had repeated his congratulations on Abhisit’s appointment as Prime Minister, the two engaged in a frank discussion regarding the economic and political situation.
Okada said, “In the midst of the world-wide economic crisis, Japan is also experiencing extremely tough conditions. Ten years ago at the time of the Asian economic crisis, Japanese companies held firm and did not withdraw [from Thailand]. On this occasion also, considering the importance of our relations with Thailand, they are gritting their teeth and holding on. Considering that Asia is the hope of the world, I call Thailand also to make every effort to achieve political stability and further consolidate the economic and investment environment. Furthermore, I ask for you to take care of Japanese corporations.”
Prime Minister Abhisit replied, “Political normalisation is a pressing problem. Now, we are moving steadily toward stability. I have talked with the representatives of Japanese corporations and I appreciate their efforts in Thailand. It is important to stimulate supply and demand. I intend to discuss such issues with other nations at the ASEAN leadership summit and at ASEAN plus 3 and work together to find a solution.”
The Prime Minister also touched on the subject of changes of government, saying that the last time he had talked with Okada, they had both been in opposition. He explained that his administration had got underway with members of parliament from other parties cooperating for the sake of the Thai nation. Okada expressed his strong desire to bring about change in Japan also, saying, “This is election year. We believe that a change of government is the ultimate reform that Japan needs. We will definitely realise [this goal.]”
Furthermore, the DPJ’s Next Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshio Hachiro, who also attended the meeting, commented that the numbers of Japanese tourists visiting the Republic of Korea had been increasing, and suggested that it would be effective to implement policies promoting tourism between Japan and Thailand. The Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, who was also present at the meeting, explained about new legislation to protect tourists visiting Thailand, and expressed his intention of implementing further measures.
Finally, Vice President Okada and Prime Minister Abhisit vowed to make every effort to strengthen and develop Japan-Thai relations. In addition to Next Minister Hachiro, the meeting was also attended by Next Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Director General of the International Department Shin-kun Haku, and Tadashi Inuzuka, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense in the House of Councillors, for the DPJ.
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