On 23 January 2013, Mr. Thierry Viteau, French Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the assumption of his duties and in preparation for the official visit of French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on 4 – 5 February 2013.

The Ambassador thanked Thailand for the cooperation in preparing for the French Prime Minister’s visit, and hoped that this occasion would enhance Franco-Thai relations in every aspect, especially bilateral trade and investment, which would be highlighted by a bilateral business matching session. The Ambassador also expressed his appreciation for the extra security measures provided to important French premises in Bangkok as requested by the his Embassy.

Deputy Prime Minister Surapong congratulated Ambassador Viteau on the assumption of duty and reassured him that Thailand would provide its full cooperation to the French Embassy to strengthen bilateral relations. He looked forward to Prime Minister Ayrault’s visit in February, which would build upon Prime Minister Yingluck’s visit to France last year. This time, the two leaders would have an occasion to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, for instance, public health, education and research, food, airline business, as well as other possible areas of future cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Surapong also expressed Thailand’s readiness to welcome French investment in infrastructure, especially the high speed train, rapid transit, and the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport.