The regional Secretary General

Friday, February 29, 2008

Whilst in Thailand, Meg met Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, former Thai Foreign Minister and newly appointed Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). We discussed the development of ASEAN as a regional body. Dr. Surin said he felt that most ASEAN countries will soon ratify the new Charter that they agreed at their summit last November. He is keen for the UK to engage with ASEAN and to have a positive relationship with ASEAN countries.

 

They also discussed at length the problems in Burma, a member of ASEAN. Dr. Surin believes it will take time for Burma to change, but that ASEAN should work with China to influence positive change. He confirmed that he believes it is in the interests of all the countries in the region for there to be democratic change, and that they need to work together to move it forward.