EU representatives thank Thailand for expanding IUU fishing solutions

BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) – Representatives of the European Union praised Thailand for expanding solutions to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Southeast Asia. Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanit, spokesman of the Defence Ministry, said the recognition came from the delegation of Joao Aguiar Machado, Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, who called on Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. Mr Machado expressed appreciation towards Thailand’s strong leaderships in presenting solutions to IUU fishing in the region during its present roles as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “The European Union is ready to support Thailand’s efforts to push for solutions to the problem in ASEAN,” Lt Gen Kongcheep said. Gen Prawit thanked the EU delegation and assured that the government had seriously tackled IUU fishing and was determined to make Thailand an IUU-free country for the sake of sustainable marine resources, the spokesman said. The EU delegation also arrived to attend the ASEAN Meeting on Combating IUU Fishing in Partnership with EU set for April 3-4. (TNA)