Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand discussed the expansion of cooperation towards economic recovery and enhanced cooperation in education, agriculture, trade and investment, to support “Thailand 4.0” policy as well as cooperation under APEC with the Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, who praised Thailand’s efficiency in addressing the spread of COVID-19

On 6 January 2021, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, welcomed H.E. Mr. Tahamoana Aisea Cluny MacPherson, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, during a courtesy call on the occasion of the former’s appointment as Permanent Secretary. Both sides exchanged views on current COVID-19 situation in which New Zealand commended Thailand’s efficiency in addressing the spread of COVID-19 and appreciated Thailand for assistance and facilitation rendered to stranded New Zealanders in Thailand and New Zealand’s repatriation effort.

Both sides also took this opportunity to discuss ways to expand cooperation towards economic recovery and reiterated their readiness to enhance cooperation in education, agriculture, trade and investment, which will support Thailand’s effort to achieve economic goals set forth by “Thailand 4.0” policy. In addition, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation under APEC of which New Zealand and Thailand will be a host in 2021 and 2022 respectively, as well as development cooperation in Mekong sub-region in which Thailand supports New Zealand to become an Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Development Partner in 2021.