Bangkok: The Prime Minister held discussions with Singapore's Foreign Minister to support the regional power grid. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, during a courtesy call. Both sides held informal discussions to further strengthen the close relationship between Thailand and Singapore, and exchanged views on expanding cooperation in the economic, energy, and regional connectivity sectors. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon to further solidify relations.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister thanked the Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs for visiting Thailand and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to pay respects to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida.
Both sides also discussed preparations for the Thailand-Singapore Leaders' Retreat, to be held in Thailand later this year. The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure in welcoming the Singaporean Prime Minister and anticipated the attendance of leading business executives to expand opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, they agreed to utilize the Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) as a mechanism to prepare for the Leaders' Retreat.
On the energy front, both sides agreed to upgrade the ASEAN Power Grid project, which connects the electricity systems of Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, in order to strengthen the region's energy security, reduce reliance on energy sources from outside the region, enhance the capacity for joint energy management, and cope with global fluctuations, especially uncertainty in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister emphasized that infrastructure and energy linkages are crucial steps in building seamless connectivity within ASEAN, which will enhance the region's competitiveness, attract investment, ensure economic stability, and improve the quality of life for its people in the long term.
The Prime Minister has continuously promoted this concept, having previously discussed it with the Malaysian Prime Minister to drive ASEAN connectivity forward in a tangible way and create mutual benefits for the entire region.