Highlights of 42nd AMM, PMC, 16th ARF rev

BANGKOK, 2 July 2009 (NNT) – Highlights of the coming three important meetings, including the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (42nd AMM), the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (16th ARF) as hosted by the Foreign Ministry of Thailand from 17 to 23 July 2009 in Phuket were disclosed today.

Foreign Ministry’s Diplomat Suriya Chindawong revealed that the discussion on new policies to deal with economic issues in the ASEAN region would be featured in the 42nd AMM. In addition, he said the political problem of Myanmar, as a part of the ASEAN nation, would also be raised in the meeting as well.

As for the presence of the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton in the meetings, Mr Suriya stated that her presence is reflective of how the US values and recognizes the importance of ASEAN. It is speculated that new US initiatives and stances of the US towards ASEAN nations and dialogue partners would be revealed in the meeting.

Moreover, the Diplomat stated that the North Korean nuclear weapons program would be addressed in the 16th ARF. Mr Suriya mentioned that the Foreign Ministry was currently working on extending an invitation to the North Korean Foreign Minister.