JOINT PRESS RELEASE On the Official Visit of the High-level Delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

On the Official Visit of the High-level Delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to Thailand, 7 – 13 May 2012

 A high-level delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by H.E. Ambassador Sayed Kassem El-Masry, Adviser and Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary General, paid an official visit to Thailand during 7 – 13 May 2012 at the invitation of His Excellency Dr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

 During the visit, the OIC delegation had constructive meetings with key governmental agencies and a wide range of stakeholders. The OIC delegation also visited the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand
(SBPs) and had meetings with key stakeholders and local communities in the area. 

  Both sides reaffirmed the Joint Press Statement issued during the visit to Thailand of His Excellency the Secretary General of the OIC from 30 April to 1 May 2007 as reflecting the spirit of cooperation between Thailand and the OIC.

 The Thai side reiterated that the issue of the SBPs is a top national priority for the Royal Thai Government and briefed the OIC delegation on the policy and efforts being undertaken by the Royal Thai Government to resolve the problem through a comprehensive approach to address root causes of the problem in accordance with the Royal advice of His Majesty the King of Thailand to “Understand, Reach out and Develop”. The OIC delegation welcomed the positive developments since the visit of His Excellency the Secretary General of the OIC in 2007 and believed that the policy of the Royal Thai Government is moving in the right direction. In this regard, the OIC welcomed the efforts being undertaken by the Royal Thai Government and urged the Thai side to intensify these efforts.

 The OIC delegation noted the lifting of the Emergency Decree in certain areas in the SBPs and urged the Thai side to consider lifting the Decree in other areas of the SBPs. They also urged the acceleration of efforts to implement educational plans as adopted by the Royal Thai Government which attends to aspects of culture and identity. The Thai side assured that the Emergency Decree would be lifted whenever and wherever the situation on the ground permits. The Thai side further emphasized that the perpetuation of violence continued to pose an obstacle to efforts by the Royal Thai Government to promote peace, security and development as desired by the people of the SBPs.

      

 The Thai side emphasized the need to bring an end to a cycle of violence in order to create a condition for peace, development, harmony and peaceful co-existence of all people in the SBPs. Both sides denounced the indiscriminate acts of violence against innocent civilians as they are against the teaching of Islam.

 Both sides agreed that the visit underlined the commitment of the Royal Thai Government, as an Observer of the OIC, to strengthen relations with the Organisation. Both sides were of the view that the visit was successful in further strengthening the constructive engagement between Thailand and the OIC. The OIC delegation expressed appreciation for the invitation, excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended to it by the Thai side. The OIC delegation looked forward to a more active contribution by Thailand in the works of the OIC.