BANGKOK, 21 July 2011 – The Thai delegation to the 44th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting has voiced support for Timor-Leste to become part of ASEAN and has pledged to strengthen the bilateral relations in various aspects.
During the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences in Bali, Indonesia, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information Chayapan Bamrungphong stated that Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Chitriya Pinthong, as the head of the Thai delegation, had attended a bilateral meeting with Mr Zacarias Albano da Costa, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste.
Mr da Costa reportedly emphasized on several areas of cooperation between Thailand and Timor-Leste while the Thai chief delegate promised to help tighten the relationship between the two countries and to provide continued support in the fields of agriculture and fishery, public health and energy. In addition, the Thai side encouraged the island country to join ASEAN as the newest member.
The discussion also touched on a Thai fishing boat which had been impounded in the waters of Timor-Leste. Mr da Costa assured that his Ministry would follow up the case closely and carry out all related procedures at haste.
