Madrid:Bangkok Prime Minister Srisaket I is set to advance Thailand's policies on cooperation with Europe, focusing on maintaining existing relationships and forging new partnerships. As part of these efforts, the Prime Minister plans to lead a delegation of private sector representatives to Spain next year for a Thai-Spanish business forum.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, currently on an official visit to Spain, emphasized the significance of the ASEAN region in global affairs. Invited by Spain, as well as Portugal and Italy, Thailand is pursuing a foreign policy that extends beyond traditional areas, aiming to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new ones. Within ASEAN, economic development, particularly in infrastructure projects and cooperation in green economy, digital technology, and AI, is ongoing.
The recent visit marks the first policy-level exchange between Thailand and Spain in 16 years, focusing on collaboration in academic forums and innovation. Sihasak held bilateral discussions with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Álvares and representatives of the European Union, agreeing on the necessity for private sector meetings to enhance cooperation. Future high-level visits are expected to include such engagements.
Additionally, an agreement with Spain was signed to exempt holders of official and diplomatic passports from visa requirements, with a request underway for Schengen visa exemptions for the general public. Thai Airways plans to launch direct flights between Bangkok and Madrid in the next two years, which is anticipated to boost tourism and business.
Sihasak highlighted Spain's potential as a key partner for Thailand within the EU framework, with a mutual political will to drive relations in new areas and increase private sector interactions. The strategic goal of this European engagement is to secure new partners and bolster existing ones. The initiative to bring together the private sectors of Thailand and Spain is expected next year, following positive feedback from the Spanish Foreign Minister.
Regarding Italy, although no formal meetings occurred, Sihasak mentioned that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation António Tagliani expressed his regret for missing a scheduled bilateral meeting due to protests and other emergencies. Despite this, the commitment to maintaining dynamic relations and cooperation between the two countries remains strong.