PM Yingluck expressed her pleasure to meet with the Japanese premier once again following his official visit during January 17-18, 2013, and congratulated close and cordial relations in all dimensions between the two countries. Japan has long taken a major role in the development of Thailand, and to reinforce mutual relations, an official stage for more constant and frequent dialogue should be initiated. Minister of Foreign Affairs was already assigned to look into to the matter.
On the regional issue, PM Yingluck reaffirmed Thailand’s stance for peace and sustainable prosperity. She wished all nations to join hands and engage in a negotiation of some kinds to ensure the amiability of international atmosphere.
As for the South China Sea situation, PM Yingluck stressed on the role of Thailand as the Sino-ASEAN Coordinator, and expressed support for a peaceful solution and negotiation for the implementation of COC. According to PM Yingluck, China would hold a Special Foreign Ministers Meeting during August or September this year to enable negotiations among all concerned parties as maritime security was considered crucial for the regional growth and security.
Thailand would also appreciate should all stakeholders involved in the Korean Peninsula situation negotiate and seek solutions for sustainable peace and no more nuclear weapon.
On mutual cooperation in the development of Myanmar, Thailand encouraged Japan to take the leading role in developing the Dawei port and special economic zone by investing in basic infrastructure as well as industrial estates which would benefit Japan's regional investments, as the project would be a link in routes connecting the Pacific countries with those of the Indian Ocean.
The Prime Minister of Japan inquired for further information of the Dawei investment, of which PM Yingluck informed that Japanese investors were presented with detail of the water-management and flood-prevention scheme, the 2-trilllion-Baht transport infrastructure projects and the Dawei Deep Sea Port and Special Economic Zone project during the “Tokyo Roadshow 2013” organized by the Thai Government the day before. She also provided Premier Abe with preliminary information for his consideration to endorse those projects.
In addition, Japan expressed interest in investing in satellite and high-speed rail projects in Thailand on which PM Yingluck explained that the satellite project was still in the study process. However, Thailand was keen to receive Japanese proposal for the high-speed rail project.
Both leaders were pleased with people-to-people relations and close ties between the two countries in all levels. PM Yingluck also commended the Japanese Prime Minister for his initiation of the JENESYS 2.0 project as well as his support on the promotion of cultural and youth exchange with ASEAN which, in part, stimulate Japan's economy, and solidify mutual relations in the long run.