ASEAN chief calls for quick appointment of Thai FM
Posted by Bao Viet Nam on July 11, 2008
Hanoi (VNA) - Secretary General of ASEAN Surin Pitsuwan has called for the quick appointment of a Thai foreign minister to prevent any “vacuum of leadership” as Thailand assumes the ASEAN chair later this month.
In a phone interview from New York, ASEAN chief Surin was quoted by Thai daily The Nation as saying that it is important Thailand maintains the momentum the government has been building during the past five months.
“Thailand must provide a strong leadership to ASEAN,” he said.
Singapore is holding the annual ASEAN ministerial meeting from 21-24 July. After that, Thailand will take up the ASEAN chair from Singapore.
ASEAN chief Surin said that it is important that Thailand has a new foreign minister as soon as possible to get acquaint with the major issues the grouping is dealing with, including the reconstruction of Myanmar and other issues. –
