On 4 August 2022, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) in Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The ASEAN Member States’ Foreign Ministers took part in the meetings with dialogue partners comprise of 10 countries namely; China ,Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), India, United States, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU) and the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Ministerial Meeting. The meetings aim to strengthen partnershio and cooperation between ASEAN and dialogue partners.

The highlights and important issues were discussed in the meetings are as follows:

ASEAN – Japan Ministerial Meeting: DPM/FM Don, together with H.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, co-chaired the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) +1 with Japan as Thailand is the imcumbent country coordinator of ASEAN-Japan relations. Thailand raised ways forward to enhance the cooperation between ASEAN and Japan especially on peace and stability which are in accordance with the ASEAN Outlook to the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), sustainable development through the BCG economy model and public health through the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).

Furthermore, the meeting also noted the preparation of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Relations in 2023. The 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation logo was also launched during the meeting. The meeting also agreed to propose the Concept Paper on ASEAN Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation for consideration during the 41th ASEAN Summit in November.

ASEAN – Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministerial Meeting: DPM/FM Don supported roles of ROK as important partner for the sustainable recovery in the region. He also highlighted ASEAN - ROK cooperation on areas that ROK has expertises such as healthcare, economy, cultural links, soft power. The meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues including peace and stability in Korean Peninsula. Thailand will be the country coordinator for ASEAN – ROK relations after Viet Nam.

ASEAN – China Ministerial Meeting: The DPM/FM highlighted Thailand’s proactive role in promoting sustainable development and encouraged more innovative engagement between ASEAN – China as a partnership in all dimensions. The meeting also raised support for the post-pandemic economic recovery and cooperation on other areas with people as the center of an agenda.

At the ASEAN - India Ministerial Meeting, the DPM/FM underlined cooperation in advancing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also proposed the BCG economy model as the way forward to enhance ASEAN - India cooperation and promote human security.

Thailand had been the country coordinator for ASEAN – India relations during 2018-2021. During that period, Thailand created some constructive engagements as the country coordinator especially people-to-people relations. Thailand also shared the experience as the country coordinator to Singapre, the current country coordinator.

At the ASEAN – US Ministerial Meeting, the DPM/FM supported the United States’ constructive role in the region through multilateralism which supports ASEAN centrality. He also highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation especially on innovation, digital and climate action by investment from US in eco-friendly industries.

ASEAN – Russia Ministerial Meeting: DPM/FM Don supported implementation of ASEAN - Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action especially on post-pandemic economic recovery especially through ASEAN - Eurasia Economic Commission (EEC). He also proposed strengthening cooperation on science and technology for sustainable development.

At the ASEAN – Australia Ministerial Meeting, the DPM/FM discussed ways to enhance ASEAN – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in highligted areas such as sustainable post-COVID19 recovery, combating transnational crime, climate change and promoting circular economy.

ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Ministerial Meeting: DPM/FM Don took part in the meeting for discussing ways to cope with common currrent challenges and crises in the region, including on healthcare, economy, food security, energy and environment.

Besides of the mentioned meetings, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also assigned H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand to be the representative attending the meetings with dialogue partners as follows:

ASEAN – European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting, PS Thani emphasized the importance of promoting cooperation with EU especially on security and peace, enhancing economic opportunities including Thailand-EU and ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. He also raised support for sustainable development - green partnership cooperation.

ASEAN – New Zealand Ministerial Meeting: the PS discussed on various areas of cooperation including tackling climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery, and people-to-people exchange programs. He also supported the cooperation with New Zealand in areas of expertise such as agriculture, resources management, circular energy and eco-tourism.

At ASEAN – Canada Ministerial Meeting, the PS pushed for enhancing economic opportunities through ASEAN – Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and promoted BCG economy model for advancing sustainability-related agenda.

While at the ASEAN – United Kingdom Ministerial Meeting--the first ministerial-level meeting after the UK assumed the position as ASEAN’s dialogue partner in 2021, the PS called for substancial cooperation between ASEAN - UK highlighting on fostering a conducive environment for post-pandemic recovery, digital, climate change, clean energy and sustainable development.