《TAIPEI TIMES 焦點》 Thai ex-minister urges ASEAN cooperation
By Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter
Former Thai minister of foreign affairs Kasit Piromya yesterday urged Taiwan to enhance its cooperation with ASEAN nations on civic and political education by sharing its knowledge of democratization.
In his keynote speech yesterday on the first day of a two-day conference on Southeast Asian studies held at the National Chengchi University, Kasit said Taiwan could share with Southeast Asian nations the success of its democratic transformation.
“People in general want and love freedom. That is the starting point for Taiwan to get out into the world,” Kasit said, adding that the nation should work with Southeast Asian nations that have either become democratic or are in a transition and share its experiences and best practices.
Kasit said Taipei should endeavor to convince nations in the region that pluralism and openness are a better way, while demonstrating the importance of inclusivity, dignity and distributive prosperity.
“Taiwan should not be shy to share with others its achievements,” Kasit added.
Asked what advice he would give President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) regarding her “new southbound policy,” Kasit said that Tsai should put an emphasis on civic and political education, as well as enhancing knowledge about democratic practices.
“Since your president is moving south in a more comprehensive manner, you have priorities, whether you put the emphasis on education, culture or people or so on. My point is that Taiwan has been successful as a democratic nation, why not compete with China on this political thing?” Kasit said.
Thailand has encountered difficulties in its long-standing quest for openness and democracy, Kasit said, adding that he hopes Taiwan could join hands with Thailand and help it overcome some of the difficulties.
“Then I think we could become a full-fledged democratic polity,” Kasit said.
新聞來源:TAIPEI TIMES
《TAIPEI TIMES 焦點》 Coast guard ships are not show of force: Tsai
上一則新聞:《TAIPEI TIMES 焦點》 Tsai elaborates on ‘southbound policy’
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》Government must help detained fishers: legislator
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》KMT, TPP launch NCC task force
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》High schools to offer mental health days
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》NGO, FamilyMart launch helpful multilingual signs
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》Ministry plans to expand waivers for foreign carers
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》Boat seizure linked to new rule: CGA
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》Foreign basketball players protest draft decision they say is ‘discriminatory’
-
《TAIPEI TIMES》Japan launches banknotes with hologram portraits
焦點今日熱門