The 2nd ACMECS Summit Kicks Off In Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

THE 2ND ACMECS SUMMIT HAS BEGUN IN BANGKOK

The 2nd ACMECS Summit has kicked off, and this is considered to be a significant opportunity for Thailand, the host nation, in expanding collaborations with its neighbouring countries as well as together creating economic prosperity in the Asian region.

The 2nd Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit initiated yesterday with more than 50 representatives from member countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam jointly discussing this year's work results under the cooperative strategy. The representatives have discussed new collaborations that would benefit member countries, and these newly considered activities will be presented for further development in the ministerial and leaders level summits today and tomorrow (November 2nd-3rd).

Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon (กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล) said this summit will involve a new aspect of cooperation, public health. The issue of bird flu will be of special concern. Thailand, as a leading country in the prevention and repelling of the disease, is considering vaccination for people residing near avians. In discussing with ACMECS member countries, Foreign Minister Kantathee said Thailand will emphasize transparency in the exchange of information and experience related to the spread of the disease. This would allow for a collaborated effort in finding methods of preventing the spread and the mutation of the disease, which could become severe to the point of human to human contraction. Research and development of a vaccine will be of special concern.

The foreign affairs minister said that for the ACMECS stage, Thailand has prepared many other collaboration proposals to offer to the member countries for evaluation. Some of the collaborations include exchange of information for trans-national crime and the research on alternative energy to address the problem of expensive oil.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันพุธที่ 2 พฤศจิกายน 2548

[Jai Dee]

PM WILL PRESIDE OVER THE OPENING OF ACMECS SUMMIT TODAY

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat will preside over the opening ceremony of the Ayawaddy-Chao Praya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit today.

Prime Minister Thaksin will welcome leaders from the ACMECS nations and preside over the opening ceremony for the summit, as well as hosting a luncheon for participants, at the Government House today. Later this afternoon at 2 PM, the premier will sign 2nd ACMECS Summit Declaration, Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the ACMECS Single Visa, and ACMECS Leaders’s Declaration on Partnership in Combating Avian Influenza and Other Infectious Diseases (TBC).

At 3PM today, Prime Minister Thaksin will declare the results of the ACMECS summit at the Santimaitri (สันติไมตรี) building. He will also bring ACMECS leaders to Klai Kang Won (ไกลกังวล) Palace this evening, to have an audience with His Majesty the King.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 November 2005