Statement

By

His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

at the Asian-African Summit

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Mr. Chairman, Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,   I would like to thank the Government and people of Indonesia for hosting this historical Summit here in Jakarta. I am very honoured and delighted to be here today. The leaders from Asian and African first met 60 years ago in Bandung, and today with colleagues from more than 100 countries, we meet again in a world of constant change. Thailand, as one of the original members of this Summit, has been actively engaged in and supported the Spirit of Bandung ever since the first Asia-Africa Summit in 1955. Asia and Africa are stronger when are linked politically and economically. Today, Asia accounts for 26% of Africa’s trade flows, which is beyond expectations from 10 years ago. Allow me to give an example of how connectivity plays its role. Eight major airlines link twenty-eight Asian and African cities; we are more connected today than ever. History has proven that we can overcome our challenges by working together. Closer relations in all areas of common interest will support the strengthening of Asia and Africa. Therefore, both regions should also commit to advancing and promoting this partnership to elevate our cooperation and our relations so that concrete results can be achieved. The vibrant partnership between our two continents will help shape the world as never before.  We should not only sustain this momentum; we should take steps to bring our engagement to the next level. That is what we are doing today. Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Thailand is committed to enhancing trade and investment cooperation with Africa.  There are a number of existing regional institutions and arrangements for promoting this cooperation. ASEAN, a cornerstone of Thai foreign policy, is a key organization that can play an important role. Moreover, ASEAN-led frameworks, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, can help elevate economic cooperation between Asia and Africa to greater heights. As Southeast Asia is moving towards the establishment of an ASEAN Community, socio-cultural cooperation is another important area as it promotes people-to-people contacts and thereby better understanding and good will between the peoples of both regions.   Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Over the past 10 years, Thailand has constantly contributed to growth in both regions.  Thailand’s Official Development Assistance extended to our partners has doubled for Asia, and has increased 10 fold for Africa. This is a part of the partnerships that Thailand offers. I am very honoured to have opportunity to mention the Sufficiency Economy philosophy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.  The philosophy is a fundamental principle of Thai values, which has also been internationally acknowledged, and has guided Thailand towards the goal of sustainable development. We are ready to share our experiences with this approach with our international friends.  There is broad agreement that stability and prosperity for Asia and Africa are in the interests of Thailand as well as the region. Today Africa is a continent of many opportunities. It contains many of the fastest growing economies in the world, which continue to expand. Governments in Africa have also achieved many reforms, which has resulted in a record level of foreign investment and therefore the creation of jobs and opportunities for the people. Thailand is determined to be a partner in Africa’s success.  Already, The Royal Thai Government’s Thai-Africa Initiative is underway. It demonstrates our commitment in fostering stronger multi-dimensional ties between Thailand and Africa. Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Our meeting today cannot be timelier.  Our regions continue to face many international challenges. These transnational issues range from poverty, conflicts, terrorism, pandemics, to environmental issues. The New Asian-African Strategic Partnership, first launched in 2005, is even more important now than ever. To this end, let us work together to ensure peace and prosperity for all our peoples, so that we can assure that no one is left behind. Thank you very much. Source: The Royal Thai Government