Note to Correspondents: UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca concludes visit to Thailand
Notes to correspondents
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca concluded a two-day visit to Thailand today. Mr. Jenca met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Virasakdi Futrakul, with leaders of the Democratic Party and the Pheu Thai Party, and with representatives of civil society to exchange views on Thailand’s political developments and processes for transitioning back to a democratically-elected government, including a roadmap to the parliamentary elections to take place in mid-2017. They also discussed Thailand-UN cooperation and ways how the UN can support democratic processes in Thailand.
Assistant Secretary-General Jenca reiterated to all stakeholders the United Nations' call for an inclusive and transparent process in the preparation and adoption of a new constitution in line with international standards, and for free, fair, democratic and credible elections that would reflect the will of the Thai people.
Assistant Secretary-General Jenca conveyed appreciation for Thailand’s commitment to the work of the United Nations. Vice Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul and Mr. Jenca discussed the priorities of Thailand's chairmanship of G77, the ASEAN-UN partnership and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the country. They exchanged views on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, irregular migration and refugee flows, as well as the prevention of violent extremism, which will be the focus of the 3rd ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue later this year.