US Department of State, "Panpree" met with "Antony Blinken" and revealed that there was great success in discussing areas of "security-trade-investment" and helping Myanmar in the areas of humanity Ready to ask the United States to help coordinate the release of another 8 Thai hostages from Hamas. Today, February 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (local time in Washington, United States). which is 12 hours later than Thailand time) At the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Had bilateral discussions with Mr. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States. On the occasion of his official visit to the United States After discussion Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gave an interview to the media that this visit was considered a great success and the United States began to take more interest in the ASEAN region. Especially Thailand which is an important strategic point. Meanwhile, Thailand has expressed its readin ess for the Prime Minister's visit to the United States. If you receive a formal invitation for discussions with Secretary of State Antony Blinken We discussed all aspects including security, economy, trade, investment, especially Thailand's provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar. The US Secretary of State has supported Thailand in this matter. In addition, he told about the current situation in Myanmar. Especially regarding the Thai-Myanmar border. to discuss progress on the next opportunity As for the issue of cyber security, Mr. Panpree stated that both sides are interested in this issue. He brought up the time he went to the Mae Sot border area, Tak Province, about crimes along the border being something that Thailand does not want to happen. and causing distress to the people of both countries, therefore wanting cooperation to prevent international threats Mr. Panpree also mentioned the Landbridge project and said that he had talked with the Minister of Commerce and Mr. Amos Hoc hstein, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States. Energy and investment Pay attention to trade Investing with Thailand and the Land Bridge project that has received many inquiries for details. which Thailand stated When ready, details will be sent immediately. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also said he spoke with Mr. Antony Blinken about the Thai hostages still being held by Hamas. Because it is known that he traveled to Israel many times. and tried to talk about a ceasefire in order to rescue the hostages Therefore it was informed that there are still 8 Thai people remaining arrested. If there is an opportunity to help coordinate or push for the release of all the hostages, including the Thai ones, it would be a good thing. Source: Thai News Agency New York: The Government of Vietnam comprehensively manages the production, use, and transportation of weapons according to Vietnam law, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa has said. Addressing at a meeting held in New York on Feburary 12 by the Preparatory Committee for the fourth UN Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in All Its Aspects, Thoa shared her concern about negative consequences of illegal trade of small arms and light weapons, saying that it would increase violence and instability, and seriously impact international peace and security. In that context, the fight against illegal trade of SALW should be placed within a broader framework of action to help strengthen international security, seek solutions, prevent conflicts and crime, and promote development, she added. The Vietnamese represe ntative underscored the need to abide by international law and UN Charter, guarantee the right to produce, import, and possess small arms and light weapons for national security and defence. Vietnamese laws and legal documents clearly stipulate that small arms and light weapons and related equipment only serve national defence and security purposes, and the import of weapons, unless permitted by the State, is prohibited. Illegal acts of transporting, using, and trading weapons and explosives constitute criminal offenses, she said. Vietnam has participated in relevant regional mechanisms, including the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Transnational Crime, and meetings within the framework of the ASEAN regional forum. Vietnam and ASEAN countries discussed and approved the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling last August. On this occasion, the Vietnamese representative reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to implementing measures and coordinating with relevant partners to achieve the programme's goals. The Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects was adopted by all UN member states in 2001. The conference to review the implementation of the action programme is held every six years, following the meeting of the Preparatory Committee. This meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the fourth review conference is expected to close on February 16./. Source: Vietnam News Agency