THAI REPRESENTATIVE TO ASEAN PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

Jakarta, Jan 4 (ANTARA) - Thai Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Manasvi Srisodapol, presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, in a ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta Monday.

Dr Pitsuwan, in expressing his pleasure upon receiving Ambassador Manasvi, said an appointment is a good way to start the new year, and he looked forward to working with him in promoting the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives.

According to the ASEAN Charter, each ASEAN member state shall appoint a permanant representative to ASEAN with the rank of Ambassador based in Jakarta.

Collectively, the representatives form a Committee of Permanent Representatives whose tasks include supporting the work of the ASEAN Community Councils, coordinating with the ASEAN National Secretariats and other ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies. The representatives also work together with the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The ambassadors of nine ASEAN Member States have presented their credentials to the Secretary-General.

Ambassador Manasvi was Deputy Director General at the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand.