H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, presided over the Africa Day 2017  reception at Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok on 24 May 2017 to celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the African Union (AU) at the invitation of African Ambassadors in Bangkok comprising of ambassadors from Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, South Africa, and Libya and headed by the Ambassador of Morocco to Thailand in his capacity as Dean of the African Ambassdaors in Bangkok. More than 200 guests attended the reception comprising members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations in Bangkok as well as representatives from the private sector.

 

The Foreign Minister congratulated the African community around the world on the significance of Africa Day which represents, for all the African nations, the historical struggle for African independence and socio-economic prosperity. He also highlighted the growing importance of Africa to Thailand in various dimensions. While Thailand and African countries have enjoyed friendly diplomatic relations for over half a century, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently redefined its Thai – Africa Initiative (TAI) Policy and has elevated it to a new policy called “Thailand – Africa Partnership for Sustainable Development” which takes into account the Royal Thai Government’s Policy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. On the economic front, Thailand’s trade and investment with Africa as well as travels between the two regions have been increasing in recent years, along with a growing number of complimentary roles that Thailand and Africa share on the world stage.

 

Founded in 1963, the African Union was formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). This year, Africa Day in Thailand is particularly commemorative as it is the first time that such an event has been held in the country. The occasion also celebrated Morocco’s return to the AU earlier this year.