On 6 – 7 September 2013, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand is hosting the Second Senior Official’s Meeting on the Thai – Africa Initiative at Hilton Huahin Resort and Spa, Thailand. The meeting will be partcipated by High-level representatives, for instance, Ambassadors, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors-General of Asia-related office from over 37 African countries.

This meeting aims to prepare the substances and arrangements for the Thai-Africa High-level Dialogue to be hosted by Thailand in February 2014, as well as open room for discussion on cooperation and assistance under the three pillars of Thai-Africa Initiative, namely Development, Economic Partnership, and International Cooperation. Moreover, Thailand and African delegations will also able to discuss the way forward for Thai-Africa Initiative, especially in the area of connectivity between Asia and Africa, such as Sea and Air transport routes, arrangements for economic agreements, and how to enhance people-to-people linkages.

Thai – Africa Initiative is one of Thailand’s most important foreign policy agenda, as it opens a new path to reach out to Africa – the continent with resourceful human capital, economic growth, and enormous opportunity for cooperation. In addition, the Initiative will strive to connect Asia and Africa through Thailand’s strategic position as economic, logistics, and development hub of the region. The Thai-Africa High-level Dialogue next year will also serve as an important milestone for Thailand to elevate its relations with African countries to a strategic partnership, which should provide more opportunities for the two regions to explore new ways and means to further enhance our bonds.