MFA Press Statement: Visit by HE Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya, who is in Singapore for the 9th Coordinating Meeting of the Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP), called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 14 October 2009. During the meeting, they reaffirmed the importance of CSEP as a key institutional link which underpinned the excellent state of bilateral relations between Thailand and Singapore. They also exchanged views on the state of their respective economies in response to the global economic crisis. PM Lee reiterated Singapore's commitment to work closely with Thailand at the upcoming ASEAN and Related Summits to push ahead with ASEAN's integration agenda. He also exchanged views with Minister Kasit on the prioirities for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting which Singapore will be hosting in November.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Kasit called on Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo. During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed bilateral relations including cooperation under CSEP. In particular, both Ministers felt that the cross-sectoral discussions introduced this year will allow both civil services to exchange views and ideas on the flow of information and personnel across Ministries, and better involve the community in providing services to the public. Following their meeting, the two Foreign Ministers co-officiated the opening of CSEP.

In his opening speech, Minister Yeo noted that since its inception in 1997, CSEP has helped to foster strong relations between the civil services of Thailand and Singapore. Minister Yeo also noted that the theme of this year's CSEP - "Thailand and Singapore: Enhancing Civil Service Coordination for Effective Responses to Complex Regional Challenges" - was timely. To overcome difficult challenges like maritime security, terrorism, climate change and environmental protection, we have to cut across traditional boundaries which separate the work of various governmental agencies and across geographical borders as well. The introduction of cross-sectoral discussions in this year's CSEP was therefore intended to allow delegates to exchange ideas in a broader way.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 OCTOBER 2009
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OPENING ADDRESS BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS GEORGE YEO AT THE 9TH COORDINATING MEETING OF THE THAILAND-SINGAPORE CIVIL SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (CSEP-9), 14 OCTOBER 2009, 9.30AM, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

Your Excellency Minister Kasit Piromya
Dear Thai Friends
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with much pleasure that I welcome Khun Kasit and members of the Thai delegation to the 9th Coordinating Meeting of the Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP). Less than two months ago, Khun Kasit paid me a great honour by visiting my constituency during a National Day Dinner. Khun Kasit, I am delighted to welcome you back to Singapore again. We are doubly delighted that Mrs Chintana Piromya is able to come as well.

Relations between Thailand and Singapore go back a long time. The Bronze Elephant Statue located at the Old Singapore Parliament House is a symbol of an old friendship. It was presented by King Chulalongkorn to the people of Singapore in 1871 during his first overseas visit as King. King Chulalongkorn developed such a fondness for Singapore that he bought Hurricane House, a mansion at Orchard Road, to stay in whenever he was in Singapore. The Thai Embassy now stands in its place on that land as an enduring reminder of the strong ties between our two countries. We share so much in common.

Reflecting the strong bilateral ties, there has been steady exchange of visits this past year. Earlier this year, we were honoured to host Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's visit to Singapore at our President's invitation. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made his introductory visit to Singapore in June. Besides reaffirming the longstanding friendship and excellent state of relations between our countries, PM Abhisit and PM Lee Hsien Loong agreed to forge a closer partnership and address challenges confronting the region together. PM Lee and I will be in Hua Hin next week for the ASEAN Summit. We look forward to it. We also look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abhisit and Khun Kasit back for the coming APEC meeting in November.

Our economic relationship has grown from strength to strength. In 2008, Singapore was Thailand's 5th largest trading partner while Thailand was Singapore's 9th largest trading partner. The Singapore Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) provides a good platform for the enhancement of bilateral ties. Plans are being made for the 3rd STEER meeting to be held in Singapore soon.

Our defence relations are firm and strong. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Thai Armed Forces have frequent interactions, participating in major multilateral exercises such as Ex Cope Tiger and Ex Cobra Gold. Thailand is also part of the Malacca Straits Patrol contributing to the security of a strategic maritime route. We thank the Thai Government and the Thai people for providing valuable training facilities for the SAF in Thailand. Both countries are committed to strengthening bilateral defence ties.

Our Foreign Ministries enjoy a strong working relationship within ASEAN and at regional and international forums. Despite domestic difficulties, Thailand in the Chair ensured that the ASEAN agenda was progressed in the last one and a half years; especially the implementation of the ASEAN Charter, including the formation of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights at the coming ASEAN Summit. For ASEAN to play a central role in shaping the regional architecture, we must be strong and united ourselves. We also look forward to Thailand's hosting of the Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting next year.

The strong people-to-people relations between our countries are based on shared history, culture and bloodlines. A disproportionate number of Singaporeans visit Thailand every year, and we receive just as many Thai visitors to Singapore. With the emergence of budget airlines, fares have come down, making business and leisure travel more affordable. The Thai community in Singapore has grown over the years and contributes significantly to Singapore's development and to our good relations with Thailand.

Since its inception in 1997, CSEP has helped to foster strong relations between the civil services of Thailand and Singapore. These institutional ties make our bilateral relationship more robust. They forge bonds of personal friendship which enable our joint response to challenges and opportunities more effective. The formation of the new Environmental Cooperation Cluster in CSEP this year is timely.

The theme of this year's CSEP is "Thailand and Singapore: Enhancing Civil Service Coordination for Effective Responses to Complex Regional Challenges". To overcome difficult challenges like maritime security, terrorism, climate change and environmental protection, we have to cut across traditional boundaries which separate the work of various governmental agencies and across geographical borders as well. The introduction of cross-sectoral discussions in this year's CSEP will allow delegates to exchange ideas in a broader way. We need a fresh approach in our response to challenges which respect neither departmental nor geographical divisions.

The 9th CSEP will build on the good progress that has been made in previous years. I wish all the participants not only a productive session but one that is also enjoyable and intellectually satisfying.

Thank you.

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