Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand and the UK on March20 signed a strategic partnership roadmap agreement, an upgrade to theircurrent bilateral ties.
The document was inked by Thailand’s Deputy PrimeMinister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and Secretaryof State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the UK DavidCameron as part of the latter’s official visit to Thailand.
During their talks, the officials discussed trade andeconomic promotion through the launch of the Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreementinitiative, which will build upon the progress of the Enhanced TradePartnership.
Other issues discussed during the meeting werecooperation in security, science and technology, tourism, education andespecially visa exemptions for Thai ordinary passport holders.
They exchanged views on regional situations, includingthat in Myanmar and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On this occasion, the Thai side also expressedappreciation for the UK’s support of Thai membership application in the Organisationfor Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“The elevation to strategic partnership marks asignificant milestone in the two countries’ relations, as they will celebratethe 170th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. The UK is the firstcountry in Europe with which Thailand has a strategic partnership,” the ThaiForeign Ministry said in a statement./.
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