DOCUMENT No. 16

Joint Press Statement at The Official Visit of Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali to Thailand
 

1. H.E. Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, paid a three-day official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 28-30 April 2004 at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. Prime Minister Jamali was accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of H.E. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, H.E. Chaudhry Nouraiz Shakoor Khan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, H.E. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Privatization, other high-ranking officials and representatives of Pakistan media.

2. H.E. Prime Minister Jamali was received in audience by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Klai Kangwol Palace, Hua-Hin on 29 April.

3. The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Thailand held full delegations level talks on 29 April, in a very cordial atmosphere, during which various aspects of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues were discussed. The two Prime Ministers exchanged views to further strengthen bilateral relations and develop multi-faceted cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security, trade & investment, science & technology, tourism, civil aviation and culture.

4. Both leaders witnessed the signing of three bilateral agreements:
1) MOU on Combating Terrorism and Certain Other Crimes;

2) MOU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation;

3) Protocol on Consultation and Co-operation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Pakistan.

5. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent state of bilateral relations which provide a solid foundation for further deepening of close cooperative and friendly ties between the two countries.

6. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the signing of the MOU on
Combating Terrorism and Certain Other Crimes. Prime Minister Thaksin expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role as a frontline state against terrorism. Both leaders recognized the global threat of international terrorism and transnational crimes and expressed confidence that this MOU would serve as an efficient mechanism to intensify existing cooperation on security issues.

7. Both sides expressed satisfaction on institutionalization of consultations
between the two Foreign Ministries.

8. Both sides agreed to fully utilize the mechanism of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) to explore ways and means to expand bilateral trade and investment. They also agreed to work towards realizing Comprehensive Economic Partnership and in this regard, mandated the JEC to expeditiously set up a Joint Study Group to discuss Preferential Tariff Arrangement and possible benefits of FTA. Both sides would also exchange trade missions to explore each other’s market potential.
9. Both leaders further agreed to expedite conclusion of the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments. Both sides agreed to give full support to private sector enterprises to establish joint ventures in Pakistan in promising areas such as textiles, leather goods, electronics, automobile industry, food processing, fisheries, infrastructure development projects, construction, telecommunication and financial services as well as development of oil and gas sectors.
10. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in aviation, which is
essential for promoting tourism. Prime Minister Thaksin appreciated the rich Buddhist heritage in Pakistan and lauded Pakistan’s efforts to preserve it. The two sides agreed to work closely on combined destinations to promote tourism.
11. Both leaders agreed on the need to promote cooperation in Science and
Technology. Both sides noted with satisfaction that a joint research fund will be established soon within the framework of the MOU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
12. Both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved by the Asia
Cooperation Dialogue. The Thai Prime Minister appreciated Pakistan’s continued support to ACD and its readiness to contribute US $ 50 million to the Asian Bond Fund. He appreciated Pakistan’s role as a prime mover of Asian Institute of Standards. The two sides agreed to further intensify cooperation within this forum.
13. While maintaining support to Pakistan’s participation in ARF and its full dialogue partnership with ASEAN, the Thai side welcomed Pakistan’s decision in principle to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
14. On April 29, the Prime Minister of Pakistan addressed the Thai-Pakistani Business Luncheon Meeting organized by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking. The luncheon was attended by a large number of Thai and Pakistani businessmen.

15. The Prime Minister of Pakistan thanked the Thai Prime Minister for gracious hospitality and in making his visit to Thailand both memorable and fruitful. He extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Thailand to revisit Pakistan, which was accepted with pleasure.

30 April 2004    <http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1839.php?id=8469>