Press Release

The Official Visit to Hungary
of
His Excellency Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Kingdom of Thailand
Budapest, 3 - 4 June 2013

1. His Excellency Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid an official visit to Hungary from 3 to 5 June 2013, at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. János Martonyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, as the two countries celebrated 40 years of official diplomatic ties.

2. During the bilateral discussion, both sides expressed satisfaction at their excellent close and longstanding relationship. They agreed to forge a partnership at the bilateral, regional and global levels through closer political dialogue and enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, education, as well as other areas of mutual interest, such as agriculture, water management and science and technology. 

3.  The Thai side also expressed its full support to the “Eastern Opening Policy” of Hungary. Thailand also acknowledged Hungary’s position as an important partner in Central Europe, while the Hungarian side recognized Thailand’s importance as the gateway to ASEAN and economic bridge to Asia.

4. They agreed to utilize existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Economic Committee and the Joint Agricultural Working Group, to follow up the agreed issues of the discussion.

5. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand reiterated the standing invitation from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to pay an official visit to Thailand. He also encouraged the frequent exchange of visits between the two countries at all levels, including among the private sector.

6. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hungarian Government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Thai delegation during the visit.