Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, discussing cooperation under the framework of ASEAN - Japan dialogue relations and Thailand’s APEC Host Year 2022, as well as regional developments.

On 8 March 2021 at 15.30 - 16.00 hrs. (Thailand’s local time), H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the latter’s request.

Both sides exchanged views on regional developments. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan expressed concern over the violent situation in Myanmar, which both sides hoped would not further escalate. Japan also expressed appreciation for the role of ASEAN convening the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting as well as efforts by Thailand to engage Myanmar with a view to resolving the situation, including through meetings that took place in Bangkok on 24 February 2021. The two Ministers shared the view that it is important for all sides concerned to maintain open lines of communication so as to enable peaceful resolution of the situation through dialogue. The two Ministers also concurred that as Thailand and Japan share cordialities with Myanmar, both sides would continue to work closely with each other. The two Ministers also exchanged views on situations in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.

In addition, the two Ministers agreed to cooperate closely in the framework of ASEAN - Japan dialogue relations for which Thailand will serve as Country Coordinator for the next three years, and the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), of which Thailand will be the host in 2022. Japan reaffirmed to support for Thailand to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement of Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).