On 13 May 2019, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, met with H.E. Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, for bilateral talks at a working lunch held at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, during the Minister of Foreign Affair’s visit to Japan between 10 – 13 May 2019 to discuss bilateral and regional issues with H.E. Mr. Kono and to officiate the opening ceremony of the 20th Thai Festival in Tokyo on 11 May 2019 with Mr. Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi, Minister of State of Japan.

 

Both sides expressed congratulations on the auspicious occasions of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and the Coronation of His Majesty King Rama X. The close ties between the two royal families have continued to serve as the foundation of Thailand – Japan relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed that the establishment of a new Thai government is proceeding on track. On economic affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Japan reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to various investment projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), including the High-Speed Rail Linking 3 Airports Project and human resources development, as the first KOSEN institute in Thailand was recently opened on 12 May 2019. On regional issues, both sides exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, which still remains a top concern for Japan, and the situation in Rakhine State. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized ASEAN’s determination to contribute efforts to ensuring a safe and sustainable repatriation process in Rakhine.

 

On 11 May 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended and gave the opening remarks at the 20th Thai Festival in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan. The Thai Festival is aimed at spreading awareness about Thailand with this year marking the 20th year of Thailand Festival in Tokyo. The theme, “Innovation and Sustainability” focused on presenting to the Japanese public Thailand’s work in promoting sustainable growth with emphasis on innovation.