On October 11, 2006, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, and Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri, jointly met with the press at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The gist of FM Nitaya's remarks on overall picture of the present Government's approach to foreign affairs is as follows:

? First, as has been widely reported in the media on the concerns expressed when the cabinet was granted an audience to take the oath of office, one of the concerns was the need to promote a better understanding of Thailand and the Thai people in the international community.  The government will duly undertaken efforts in order to address these concerns and the Foreign Ministry in particular will make the promotion of a better understanding of the country as one of its key priorities.
? Second, the conduct of foreign affairs is non-partisan and has to serve national interest.  The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of having moral and ethical values leading in all aspects of work, which means, among others, taking into full account the interests and welfare of the people and ensuring transparency.
? Third, foreign policy needs continuity.  We will protect and promote the rights and interests of Thai people abroad, continue to adhere to our international obligations, work to strengthen relations and cooperation with friends, particularly with neighbouring countries, enhance cooperation in various existing fora, and maintain a constructive role in the international arena, including the UN and other international organizations.

In this context, doubt has been expressed whether the policies initiated by the previous Government will be continued.  Here, distinction needs to be made in an open-minded manner.  A number of policy initiatives of the previous Government, such as ACMECS and ACD have constructive objectives and serve the interests of the country by helping to enhance cooperation and confidence among the countries concerned.  Such initiatives should thus be continued.  At the same time, criticism with regard to specific projects will be considered in a transparent manner. 

In this connection, the Foreign Minister disclosed that the Prime Minister will be visiting other ASEAN member countries, starting with Laos and Cambodia on 14-15 October 2006, respectively.  He will also be attending major regional meetings, including the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit in Nanning, China later this month, the APEC Economic Leaders? Meeting in Hanoi, Viet Nam in November and the ASEAN Summit and related Summits in Cebu, the Philippines in December. 

The Foreign Minister also reiterated that he and the Deputy Foreign Minister will work as a team with colleagues at the Ministry under the ?Single-Team? concept.  In the meantime, the Thai offices abroad will continue to work under the same concept known as ?Team Thailand?. 

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