Thailand and Palestine to Establish Diplomatic Relations at Ambassadorial Level

(17/07/2012)

Starting from 1 August 2012, Thailand and Palestine will have diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. The Royal Thai Embassy in Amman, Jordan, will be accredited to Palestine, and the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will be accredited to Thailand. According to the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Jullapong Nonsrichai, after the Thai Cabinet had decided to recognize the State of Palestine in November 2011, the two countries agreed to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. He said that the establishment of diplomatic relations will be a good starting point for the development of Thai-Palestinian relations on the basis of mutual benefit. In his discussion with Dr. Riad Malki, Foreign Minister of Palestine, who visited Thailand recently, Mr. Jullapong emphasized Thailand’s support for the right to self-determination of Palestinian people, as well as Thailand’s support for peace negotiation based on the Two-State Solution. He said that Thailand stands ready to assist and expand cooperation with Palestine. The establishment of diplomatic relations would be the beginning for further cooperation, which at present, is limited to only technical cooperation. Thailand has also contributed the amount of 30,000 US dollars annually to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East. He took this opportunity to explain to the Palestinian side the Thai government’s efforts in resolving problems in the southern border provinces of Thailand. The Palestinian side, which holds the position of Permanent Vice Presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed understanding and willingness to support Thailand on this matter. Concerning the duration of time needed for the peace process in the Middle East, the Palestinian Foreign Minister said that the conflict has lasted for more than 70 years and Palestine has been engaged in this process for the last 20 years. He said that Palestine is ready to give opportunities for negotiations and believes that direct engagement with all concerned parties would be the solution to the problem.