In a significant diplomatic move, Thailand and the European Union engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and fostering cooperation. Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, Krongkanit Rakcharoen, hosted H.E. Mr. David Daly, the Ambassador of the EU to Thailand, for talks on various pertinent issues.
Thailand and the European Union recently convened to explore avenues for strengthening their bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation. Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, Krongkanit Rakcharoen, welcomed H.E. Mr. David Daly, the Ambassador of the EU to Thailand, to delve into a range of topics concerning both parties’ interests and objectives.
Key points of discussion included advancing the ongoing Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, fostering a just and equitable green transition, exploring the possibility of a Schengen visa waiver, and increasing the frequency of high-level visits between the two entities. Both sides meticulously prepared for the upcoming 17th Thai-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), slated for June 4, 2024, in Bangkok. The meeting is poised to serve as a platform for evaluating the current state of Thailand-EU relations and charting a course forward in line with the Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
Representatives from both Thailand and the EU reaffirmed the paramount importance of maintaining an open dialogue and robust communication channels. Particularly noteworthy were discussions surrounding collaborative efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. Additionally, there was an emphasis on providing capacity-building support and sharing expertise to assist Thai entrepreneurs in aligning with EU green standards and regulations.
Overall, the diplomatic dialogue between Thailand and the European Union underscores the mutual commitment to fostering constructive engagement and deepening bilateral cooperation across various spheres of interest.