On 22 July 2016, H.E. Mr. Benjamin King, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, paid an introductory call on H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

          Both sides discussed various cooperation such as politics, economics, agriculture, and education. The Ambassador stated that New Zealand is willing to support Thailand on all aspects especially on Thailand’s path towards democracy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Thailand is moving forward according to the Roadmap towards a return to a sustainable democracy and a society based on reconciliation and stability.

          The Ambassador went on to inform that Mr. Jim Bolger, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, will visit Thailand between 27 to 31 August 2016 as part of the commemoration of the 60^th anniversary of the Thai-New Zealand diplomatic relations, and the 20^th anniversary of the Mekong Institute. The Ambassador hoped that Mr. Bolger’s expertise on reconciliation and reform will be beneficial to Thailand during the visit.

          Both sides expressed commemoration on the 60^th Anniversary of the establishment of the Thai-New Zealand diplomatic ties and are delighted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand will have a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane.

          Lastly, the Ambassador hoped that Thailand would support New Zealand on their nomination of the former Prime Minister and current UNDP Administrator Helen Clark as a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG).