By Kim Young Shin

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha held a meeting with the Thai foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai, in Seoul on May 17. They discussed ways to promote Korea-Thailand diplomatic ties that celebrates their 60th anniversary this year, and the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Kang thanked the Thai government for issuing an official statement welcoming the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit, and asked for continued support from Bangkok for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and for forging peace across the region.

“Cooperation from Thailand, next year’s ASEAN chair and one of Korea’s strategic partners, is important in actively implementing our New Southern Policy,” said Kang.

The New Southern Policy, unveiled by President Moon Jae-in last year, aims to boost collaboration between Korea and ASEAN countries, and places ASEAN on an equal footing with Korea's more traditional four major interlocutors, the U.S., China, Japan and Russia.

Minister Don praised the Korean government’s efforts to bring forward denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and to establish peace across the region, and to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN members.

“Thailand will make sure that Mekong River countries continue to provide the necessary support,” said the Thai minister. "Thailand will continue to cooperate with Korea to ensure a smooth implementation of its New Southern Policy.”

ysk1111@korea.kr