Manila: Prime Minister Srisaket Sihasak shared insights from the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting + Dialogue Partners, focusing on the Middle East crisis, South China Sea disputes, and the pressing issue of online fraud in collaboration with the United States.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, provided a comprehensive summary of ASEAN's involvement in various meetings held in Manila, Philippines. These meetings included participation from ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and regional forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting (EAS). The discussions underscored ASEAN's pivotal role as a hub for peace and security in Southeast Asia.
Key topics of discussion involved regional and global instability, particularly focusing on maritime security challenges in the South China Sea and the Middle East. Concerns were raised about freedom of navigation and the impact of geopolitical tensions in these regions. The situation in Myanmar was also addressed, with Thailand advocating for increased humanitarian assistance and dialogue among involved parties.
The issue of online fraud emerged as a significant concern, especially regarding U.S. citizens being targeted by scammers. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio emphasized the urgency of tackling this threat and expressed a desire for cooperation with Thailand in addressing this issue.
In bilateral talks, Mr. Sihasak and Mr. Rubio discussed Thailand's strategic importance and the need to resolve import tariff issues on Thai goods. Mr. Rubio acknowledged the complexity of these negotiations and pledged to consider Thailand's perspectives in the process.
The meeting also touched on the Thai-Cambodian relations and Taiwan's recent statement expressing disappointment with Thailand's stance on the One China policy. Mr. Sihasak reiterated Thailand's consistent adherence to the One China policy and assured that relations with Taiwan in economic, trade, and cultural aspects remain unaffected.
Overall, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting highlighted ASEAN's central role in addressing regional challenges and fostering international cooperation on issues such as maritime security and online fraud.