Remarks by H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs,

at the Opening Ceremony of “The Colours of Africa 2019”,

6 September 2019, 15.30 hrs., Central World Shopping Centre, Bangkok

 

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Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Good afternoon. I am honoured to be here on Foreign Minister Don’s behalf.  Indeed, he attended the African Day celebrations back in May, and still speaks fondly of the energy and colour of the event.

 

I am also honoured to now offer warm greetings on the Foreign Minister’s behalf to their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, as well as the Chargé d'Affaires of the Sudan, Kenya, Egypt, and Libya; and to other members of the diplomatic corps as well as representatives from the public and private sectors. Welcome to the Opening Ceremony of “The Colours of Africa 2019”. 

 

Thailand and the countries of Africa enjoy a close and cordial friendship. We share the same aspirations for peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainable development. Our growing economic ties and increasing cooperation underline the fact that our futures are increasingly intertwined.

 

The “Colours of Africa” will help to bring us even closer together. In these next three days, the public will be able to learn about the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Africa, and what Africa has to offer. I am pleased to learn that there will be a variety of activities taking place here: an exhibition on Thailand’s development cooperation in Africa, which underlines the blossoming people-to-people contacts; a Student Quiz Competition; workshops highlighting the cultural diversity in Africa as well as similarities in our cuisines; and talks by Embassies and partners.

 

And now I must thank the parties who have made this event possible. I commend the Foreign Ministry’s Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs and Thailand’s International Cooperation Agency (TICA); the African Embassies in Thailand; the African airlines; Minor Group; PTTEP; EXIM Bank; the Peace Operations Centre of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters; and all others who have helped to bring this event to fruition. My special thanks go to the Central Pattana Public Company Limited for providing us with this exceptional venue in the heart of Bangkok.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

 

Thailand has much goodwill towards Africa, for you are an important and cherished partner. I wish the organisers a very successful, vibrant and vivid event and, hopefully, we will have the opportunity to work together again. I now declare the “Colours of Africa” open.