BANGKOK, Jan 12 — The Palestinian Ambassador to Thailand residing in Kuala Lumpur Walid Abu Ali has reassured full support in securing the release of remaining Thai nationals held captive in Gaza.
The Thai Foreign Ministry said the message was conveyed during Walid’s courtesy call on Thai Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara in Bangkok today.
During the meeting, Parnpree and Walid discussed the situation in the Middle East.
“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated the Thai side’s request for assistance from the Palestinian side in securing the release of the remaining Thai hostages, and the Palestinian Ambassador reassured (the Thai side) of full support on this matter,” it said in a statement.
Eight Thais are believed to be held captive in Gaza following the Hamas-Israel conflict which began in October last year.
The ministry said Walid’s visit was aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.
“Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the Thai-Palestinian relationship, which has spanned over 12 years, and expressed their readiness to promote Thai-Palestinian relations in potential areas of mutual interest, particularly in tourism and trade promotion,” it said.
Parnpree stressed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for the security and sustainability of Palestine.
“Thailand has consistently provided financial contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) since 1978 and recently provided US$80,000 (RM371,800) in response to UNRWA’s flash appeal following the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” it said.
Thailand and Palestine established diplomatic relations on August 1, 2012.
Thailand has assigned the Royal Thai Embassy in Amman, Jordan, to be responsible for diplomatic affairs with Palestine, while the Palestinian side has assigned its embassy in Malaysia, with Thailand as one of the countries under its jurisdiction.
Thailand officially recognised the State of Palestine on January 17, 2012.
— Bernama
