On 6 August 2013, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Eduardo Antonio Zuain, Secretary of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Argentina, co-chaired the 2nd Political Consultations between Thailand and Argentina in Buenos Aires, the Republic of Argentina.

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral and multilateral issues, including human rights, universal health coverage and food security. They also followed up on various areas of cooperation, especially on South-South cooperation to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Thailand and Argentina in areas of mutual interest.

During the luncheon (6 August) hosted by the Secretary of Foreign Relations of Argentina, both sides shared views on national and regional political developments. Argentina was particularly interested in Thailand’s proactive role in ASEAN and the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea. The Argentine side shared views on the current situation in Latin America and cooperation in regional groupings, including CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market) and UNASUR (Union of South American Nations).

In addition, on 7 August 2013 the Permanent Secretary gave a  lecture on political and economic development of Thailand, Thai foreign policy and political development in Asia at the Argentine Council for Foreign Relations (CARI).  Participants included ASEAN Ambassadors, academics and university professors. During the lecture, the Permanent Secretary gave particular emphasis on the strengthening of relations between Asia and Latin America which have great potential for further cooperation, and in which the private sector is the key player.