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| Saturday, 16 August 2003 |
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by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi While pledging continued assistance towards Sri Lanka's peace, harmony and prosperity, the visiting Thai Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday stressed that there are many tiers of cooperation the two countries could engage in for the mutual benefits of both countries. Making a special address in Parliament, Dr. Shinawatra said "there are vast potential in the people and resources of Sri Lanka which could create greater wealth for this country." "I am certain that this visit of mine to Sri Lanka, a country of such a long history of cultural links with Thailand, will open a new chapter in our already close and cordial relationship," he told members of Sri Lankan Parliament. Referring to Sri Lankan's current peace process, Dr. Shinawatra said Thailand is ready to provide the venue again for peace talks any time, if and when required. "We were happy to be of any assistance to contribute towards peace, harmony and prosperity and wish you well in your endeavours." Emphasising the need of regional cooperation among Asian countries, Dr. Shinawatra said Thailand believes that the time has come for Asia as a continent to pool our strengths together for the well-being and prosperity of our people. "We believe that Asia is a continent of vast diversity, yet there must exist a means to turn such diversity into strength and potential," he added. While explaining the role could be played by Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Dr. Shinawatra said it is designed to be an open, positive-thinking, evolving, non-institutionalised and inclusive process. "It was meant to be the missing link for continent-wide cooperation among Asian countries," he added. Sri Lanka was among the four new countries to obtain membership of the ACD at its 2nd Ministerial meeting held in Chian Mai during June 21-22 and at present there are 22 member countries with the ACD which covers all geographical regions of Asia. Dr. Shinawatra said the combined 1.4 trillion US dollar foreign reserves in Asia are more than half of the international reserves of the entire world put together. "So, it is high time we had an appropriate instrument through which we can utilise our capital to create enough of our wealth." While recalling a thousand years of continued cultural history between the two countries, the visiting Premier said the people of our countries look forward to the time when we can make use of our long history and cultural heritage to the best benefit in bringing development and prosperity to the peoples. "Thailand stands ready to extend our assistance and to work with the international community to help regain the livelihood in areas previously torn by the effect of wars and armed conflicts," he added. |
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