ID :
208376
Tue, 09/20/2011 - 18:53
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https://www.oananews.org//node/208376
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Pak-Thai 60th diplomatic relations anniversary celebrated
ISLAMABAD, September 20, 2011 (PPI): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with The Royal Thai Embassy, Islamabad, organized a Seminar on Tuesday, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Pakistan - Thailand diplomatic relations.
The Chief Guest Senator Salim Saifullah, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, delivered the keynote address. He expressed his pride in the “Look East” policy of Pakistan citing cultural ties with nations in this region, and with Thailand in specific.
He mentioned that Pakistan and Thailand have a shared history that dates back almost 2000 years and which still continues to this date. Speaking on the interdependence of the two nations, Senator Saifullah stated, “Pakistan’s well being is in the interest of Thailand and Thailand’s well being is in the interest of Pakistan”.
He went on to elaborate the geo-strategic importance of both countries with Thailand at the cross roads of the Southeast of Asia and Pakistan at the cross roads of South Asia and the Middle East. The Senator highlighted certain sectors in which Thailand has blossomed, namely in literacy and health, and expressed his hope that Pakistan would learn from their example.
Mr. Marut Jitpatima, the Thai Ambassador to Pakistan, thankful to the ISSI and the Foreign Office of Pakistan for organising this event and for the fruitful relations since 1951. He expressed his own deep interest in academic debate and hoped that today’s seminar would provoke thoughts on and analysis of the diplomatic milestones achieved and the countless “experiences shared” by the two countries. He stressed the importance of developing these ties further and for the need to learn from one another.
Earlier, Amb. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Director General of the ISSI in his welcome address grateful for the participation of the Thai delegation and was humbled by the occasion. Elaborating on the special relationship, Qazi highlighted the fact that despite the large geographic separation, the two countries are economically and politically aligned and celebrate great cooperation throughout the past six decades.
After the inaugural session Ambassador the Royal Thai Embassy and the DG, ISSI presented the souvenirs as a token of gratitude for their respective participation. The first session titled: Pakistan-Thai Relations: The Bilateral Context, Chaired by Amb. Gul Haneef , Chairman ISSI.
The first speaker , Lt. Gen. Kamal Matinudin (retd.) recalled Pakistan-Thailand historic political and diplomatic ties and identified vast areas of cooperation between the two states within ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP). He hoped that mutually beneficial relations between the two countries would not only remain warm and friendly but gain depth as the years role by.
The second speaker, Surat Horachaikul, Professor International Relations at the Chulalongkorn University, emphasized on the need of improving relations between India and China and highlighted the role Pakistan in this regard. He said India and Pakistan, too, must work with one another to ensure that interdependence of regional organization like SAARC comes to reality.
While Talking on the topic of “Pakistan-Thailand Trade and Economic Relations” Ms. Ayla Majid said In 2010, the volume of bilateral trade touched US$915 million; textile, yarn, seafood, leather, chemical product, and medical equipments accounting for Pakistan’s major exports to Thailand, and motorcars, chemical product, plastic, air conditioner and parts, synthetic textile, rubber product, refrigerator and cloth accounting for Thai export to Pakistan.
On the topic of “Socio-Cultural Linkages between Pakistan and Thailand Mr. Srawut Aree elaborated that Halal foods affairs in Thailand have been undertaken for more than 50 years. The main duties of Halal-Thai food are tracing, investigating, verification and monitoring of all food products and training throughout the country in order to harmonize the system based on compatible standard and meet the Halal food requirement and quality.
The Second Session titled: Pakistan-Thai Relations: The Multilateral Context Chaired by DG ISSI Amb. Ashraf Jahangir Qazi. The first speaker, Fazal-ur-Rahman, Director (Asia-Pacific), ISSI discussed Pakistan-Thailand Relations in the Multilateral Context. Mr. Rahman stated that Pakistan relations with East Asian States have been largely cordial and friendly and that creating peace and stability is key.
He further highlighted that Pakistan and ASEAN are cooperating on trade, investment, science and technology, drugs and narcotics control and human resource development. Following 9/11 Pakistan needs to strengthen ties with ASEAN. Pakistan trade will increase after establishing FDA with ASEAN. Investment from ASEAN can help Pakistan diversify its trade. Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand is useful for cooperation within the region. Greater institutional development needed to bring Asian countries together. ACD will help bridge divide and bring development to the Asia region.
Dr. Anas Amatayakul, Mahidol University, Bangkok discussed Contributions of Mughals &Pathans towards Thai Society. He talked about Mughal contributions to Thailand during the 17th century. He spoke about King Narai of Thailand who had assistance from the Mughals and the Persians, this greatly affected his lifestyle in ruling the country. Lopburi also known as the Lahore of Siam was later founded. The official palace was set in this location until he died in 1688.
Dr. Amatayakul talked about the gate of Lahore and the gate of Lopburi. He mentioned that the gate of Lopburi was considered European by inhabitants in Thailand even though it was a direct result of Mughal and Persian influence. Dr. Amatayakul displayed pictures illustrating the palace of King Narai and its Mughal and Persian influence. He also showed the audience the interesting influence of Mughal and Persian influence on Thai art and architecture.
The Chief Guest Senator Salim Saifullah, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, delivered the keynote address. He expressed his pride in the “Look East” policy of Pakistan citing cultural ties with nations in this region, and with Thailand in specific.
He mentioned that Pakistan and Thailand have a shared history that dates back almost 2000 years and which still continues to this date. Speaking on the interdependence of the two nations, Senator Saifullah stated, “Pakistan’s well being is in the interest of Thailand and Thailand’s well being is in the interest of Pakistan”.
He went on to elaborate the geo-strategic importance of both countries with Thailand at the cross roads of the Southeast of Asia and Pakistan at the cross roads of South Asia and the Middle East. The Senator highlighted certain sectors in which Thailand has blossomed, namely in literacy and health, and expressed his hope that Pakistan would learn from their example.
Mr. Marut Jitpatima, the Thai Ambassador to Pakistan, thankful to the ISSI and the Foreign Office of Pakistan for organising this event and for the fruitful relations since 1951. He expressed his own deep interest in academic debate and hoped that today’s seminar would provoke thoughts on and analysis of the diplomatic milestones achieved and the countless “experiences shared” by the two countries. He stressed the importance of developing these ties further and for the need to learn from one another.
Earlier, Amb. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Director General of the ISSI in his welcome address grateful for the participation of the Thai delegation and was humbled by the occasion. Elaborating on the special relationship, Qazi highlighted the fact that despite the large geographic separation, the two countries are economically and politically aligned and celebrate great cooperation throughout the past six decades.
After the inaugural session Ambassador the Royal Thai Embassy and the DG, ISSI presented the souvenirs as a token of gratitude for their respective participation. The first session titled: Pakistan-Thai Relations: The Bilateral Context, Chaired by Amb. Gul Haneef , Chairman ISSI.
The first speaker , Lt. Gen. Kamal Matinudin (retd.) recalled Pakistan-Thailand historic political and diplomatic ties and identified vast areas of cooperation between the two states within ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP). He hoped that mutually beneficial relations between the two countries would not only remain warm and friendly but gain depth as the years role by.
The second speaker, Surat Horachaikul, Professor International Relations at the Chulalongkorn University, emphasized on the need of improving relations between India and China and highlighted the role Pakistan in this regard. He said India and Pakistan, too, must work with one another to ensure that interdependence of regional organization like SAARC comes to reality.
While Talking on the topic of “Pakistan-Thailand Trade and Economic Relations” Ms. Ayla Majid said In 2010, the volume of bilateral trade touched US$915 million; textile, yarn, seafood, leather, chemical product, and medical equipments accounting for Pakistan’s major exports to Thailand, and motorcars, chemical product, plastic, air conditioner and parts, synthetic textile, rubber product, refrigerator and cloth accounting for Thai export to Pakistan.
On the topic of “Socio-Cultural Linkages between Pakistan and Thailand Mr. Srawut Aree elaborated that Halal foods affairs in Thailand have been undertaken for more than 50 years. The main duties of Halal-Thai food are tracing, investigating, verification and monitoring of all food products and training throughout the country in order to harmonize the system based on compatible standard and meet the Halal food requirement and quality.
The Second Session titled: Pakistan-Thai Relations: The Multilateral Context Chaired by DG ISSI Amb. Ashraf Jahangir Qazi. The first speaker, Fazal-ur-Rahman, Director (Asia-Pacific), ISSI discussed Pakistan-Thailand Relations in the Multilateral Context. Mr. Rahman stated that Pakistan relations with East Asian States have been largely cordial and friendly and that creating peace and stability is key.
He further highlighted that Pakistan and ASEAN are cooperating on trade, investment, science and technology, drugs and narcotics control and human resource development. Following 9/11 Pakistan needs to strengthen ties with ASEAN. Pakistan trade will increase after establishing FDA with ASEAN. Investment from ASEAN can help Pakistan diversify its trade. Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand is useful for cooperation within the region. Greater institutional development needed to bring Asian countries together. ACD will help bridge divide and bring development to the Asia region.
Dr. Anas Amatayakul, Mahidol University, Bangkok discussed Contributions of Mughals &Pathans towards Thai Society. He talked about Mughal contributions to Thailand during the 17th century. He spoke about King Narai of Thailand who had assistance from the Mughals and the Persians, this greatly affected his lifestyle in ruling the country. Lopburi also known as the Lahore of Siam was later founded. The official palace was set in this location until he died in 1688.
Dr. Amatayakul talked about the gate of Lahore and the gate of Lopburi. He mentioned that the gate of Lopburi was considered European by inhabitants in Thailand even though it was a direct result of Mughal and Persian influence. Dr. Amatayakul displayed pictures illustrating the palace of King Narai and its Mughal and Persian influence. He also showed the audience the interesting influence of Mughal and Persian influence on Thai art and architecture.
