President Abdullah Gül received Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her accompanying delegation at the Tarabya Palace.

During the meeting, President Gül said that one of the most important aspects of the versatile foreign policy of our country is Asia-Pacific and that we see Thailand as an important political and economic partner. He added that we have not experienced any problems in our bilateral relations for 55 years. Stating that we have a powerful political will to improve our relations, President Gül said that our economic and commercial relations that have important potential for cooperation can be further advanced.

Importance of ASEAN

President Gül said that Turkey has established coorporative relation with the ASEAN, one of the most regional organizations of Asia-Pacific and added that we are closely following the dialogue that ASEAN has formed with the EU and the ASEM meetings as well as the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), another organization focusing on economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Shinawatra: “We should improve our bilateral economic relations.”

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that she is grateful for the hospitality offered to them and she thinks that it will be beneficial to increase the number of bilateral high level visits. Prime Minister stated that she attaches importance to improving bilateral economic relations and that she has come to Turkey with a crowded delegation of private sector representatives. Prime Minister Shinawatra added that the year 2018 that will be the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries can be mutually announced as the “Year of Culture.”

Thai Prime Minister also said that the Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej invites President Gül to his country. President Gül thanked for the invitation of the King Adulyadej and conveyed his regards and good wishes to him. Issues concerning the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) where Thailand is an observer state were also discussed during the meeting.

Source: http://www.tccb.gov.tr/haberler/170/86568/tayland-basbakani-shinawatra-tarabya-koskunde.html

Uzay Bulut - Translator