Thai-Saudi ministerial meet cracks ice

Thailand is optimistic about improving ties with Saudi Arabia after the first official meeting at a ministerial level in two decades.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul held talks with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul meets with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in NeYork. (Photo courtesy of the Foreign Ministry)

He used the rare opportunity to report to the prince on the progress of the investigation into three controversial cases which sour bilateral relations.

"No conditions have been set at this time to normalise relations,'' Mr Surapong said after the meeting, adding that the normalisation process needed some time.

At least Riyadh was ready to cooperate with Thailand, the minister said.

The meeting in New York was the first time in 21 years that Saudi Arabia agreed to an official meeting with Thailand in what Mr Surapong called a "good gesture" from Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia downgraded ties with Thailand two decades ago after there was no progress on the three cases. They are the stolen "blue diamond",  the death of four Saudi envoys and the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili.

Bangkok Post online classifieds

Try buying selling goods and properties 24/7 in our classifieds which has high purchasing power local expatriate audience from within Thailand and around the world.

About the author

Writer: Thanida Tansubhapol
Position: Reporter






Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/09/26/thai-saudi-ministerial-meet-cracks-ice/