Minister Ahern welcomes Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister on official visit to Dublin

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, T.D., this afternoon welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, to Dublin for a short official visit. The Deputy Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on the Taoiseach.

The Ministers held discussions on United Nations Reform in the aftermath of the recent UN Summit. The meeting also afforded an opportunity for an exchange of views on regional and international issues, the post-tsunami situation in Thailand and the further development of bilateral economic relations.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Ahern stated:

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity for a detailed discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. We reviewed the outcome of the recent UN Summit and the prospects for the implementation of reform measures. Dr. Surakiart is a candidate to replace Kofi Annan as Secretary General of the United Nations so his views on this issue are of particular interest to us.

The meeting also afforded an opportunity to discuss the post-tsunami situation in Thailand, including Ireland's contribution to the relief and rebuilding efforts.

I signalled our desire to build on existing bilateral economic relations and the scope for cooperation in the area of information and communications technology  and in building stronger educational links.

We also discussed regional issues, including the situation in Burma.”

ENDS+++
Press Office
12th October 2005