Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is urging European and Asian countries to jointly combat economic and environmental problems.
At the two-day Asia-Europe Summit (Asem) held in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator, which has heard many promises to forge "greater connectivity" between the two continents, Gen Prayut has stressed Thailand's role in helping put this 2016 summit theme into practice as many countries are struggling to deal with issues ranging from an economic slowdown, food and energy security to unusual weather patterns caused by climate change.
Thailand currently chairs the Group of 77, an intergovernmental organisation consisting of 134 developing nations which aim to jointly develop their economies. Though the G-77 members have increased to 134, the original name is retained due to its historical significance.
Asia is known for its large market and abundant natural resources while Europe is equipped with technological know-how, innovations and model social welfare and human rights. These strengths must be connected to help craft powerful solutions to those problems, deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said yesterday, quoting Gen Prayut's speech given to the summit, which ends today.
These strong points will back Asia-Europe connectivity in four areas -- stronger efforts to cope with natural disasters and food and energy-related issues, closer ties among people of the two continents for better human security, collective economic growth and a joint move to attain sustainable development, according to the premier.
The last one is also a goal set by the United Nations which has been urging members to tread paths of development with the least impact on natural resources.
Maj Gen Werachon said Gen Prayut suggested countries under Asem consider using the sufficiency economy philosophy, initiated by His Majesty the King, to achieve their goals.