Thai PM: ASEM would continue into next decade with strength

ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia), July 16 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha said that the 1th ASEM Summit being held in Ulaanbaatar has reviewed what had been achieved so far, where talks have also been held on how to the grouping can strongly step into the next decade. The premier said the ASEM Summit has reviewed the grouping's achievements for the past 20 years, as well as to discuss new directions the grouping should take for the next decade. Gen Prayuth said talks had been focused on how to seek strategic partnership, giving support to one another while emphasising on equality. The meeting also agreed to push forward in creating concrete connectivity, both physically and abstract. The premier stressed that the most important physical connectivity for the European Union (EU), are logistics and transportation between members states, while the ASEAN connectivity would provide better logistics and transportation network into the region. As for abstract connectives such as digital and tourism, Gen Prayuth said these are also important as it would provide better understanding between the peoples. The premier also inform that he also addressed the ASEM meeting that he is trying his best to strengthen Thailand in order for the country to return to absolute democracy. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai is currently attending the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 11) in Ulaanbaartar, Mongolia from July 14-16. (TNA)