On 29 July 2013, during Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s visit to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, Mr. Surapong Tovichackchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, briefed the press on the discussions between Prime Minister Yingluck and Mr. Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong said that Prime Minister Yingluck’s first visit to Mozambique marked a new chapter in Thai-Mozambican relations. Since Mozambique has emerged as a gateway to Southeast Africa and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the Prime Minister’s delegation included over 50 Thai business executives.  The Thai Government also plans to open an embassy in Maputo.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen partnership and cooperation in many areas, including agriculture, infrastructure development, energy, public health, human resources development, and gemology. Five bilateral agreements, including one on visa exemption for diplomats and officials, were signed to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, tourism, and technical cooperation.  Both sides also agreed to increase bilateral trade volume to USD 360 million in the next five years.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong also highlighted business opportunities for the Thai private sector in energy and infrastructure.  At present, PTTEP has already invested close to USD 2 billion in the Rovuma Basin, and Italian–Thai Development PLC has been awarded a concession to construct railways and ports in Macuzi.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stated that Thailand and Mozambique could play a leading role in enhancing connectivity between Asia and Africa.  He said that both countries could learn from each other’s development experiences, and benefit from strengthened economic, political and people-to-people ties. He also announced Thailand’s readiness to host a high-level conference between Thai and African leaders in early 2014. The Thai Government would also organize a pilot “Thai Volunteers Program” in Mozambique to promote technical exchange and people-to-people contact between the two countries.