On 7 September 2013, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, chaired the Second Senior Official Meeting on the Thai – Africa Initiative at Hilton Huahin Resort and Spa, Thailand, aiming to prepare for the Thai-Africa High-level Dialogue to be hosted by Thailand in February 2014, and paving the way forward to enhance cooperation between Thailand and African coutries through the three pillars of Thai-Africa Initiative.

After two days of fruitful discussions, The meeting agreed to have Thailand host the High-level Dialogue between 3 – 4 February 2014, with the Thai Prime Minister as the chair of the meeting. The High-level Dialogue will focus on key issues, such as human resource development, sustainable development, infrastructure, food and energy security, women empowerment, as well as providing a platform to share views and consult on global issues between Thailand and African countries.

Permanent Secretary Sihasak also informed the press that Thai-Africa Initiative is all about learning and sharing experiences with each other. The policy will grant Thailand the opportunity to share its best practices on agriculture, public health, and human resource development with the African region, which will bring Thailand and African countries closer to each other by expanding trades, investments, and people-to-people linkages. Moreover, the Initiative will emphasise Thailand’s position as the gateway for African region to Asia, and open ways and means for cooperation in international fora in the future.

During the afternoon after the meeting, the participants also had a chance to visit Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre for a study excursion on polyculture farming system and His Majesty the King’s principles on sustainable economy.