On 29 May 2017, Mr. Eduardo Frei Ruiz – Tagle, former President of the Republic of Chile and Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Chile for Asia – Pacific met with Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, during his second visit to Thailand. The first visit of Mr. Frei took place in April 2016.   

           Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties between Thailand and Chile, especially in the areas of trade and investment. The Foreign Minister commended Chilean Government’s vision in developing cooperation within key economic blocs such as APEC, Trans – Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and Pacific Alliance (PA), as well as its commitment in the promotion of free trade through the Free Trade Agreements with 65 countries. The former Chilean President also reiterated Chile’s interest in enhancing relations with Thailand and the Asia Pacific region, as well as the potential of utilizing each other as a gateway between Asia and Latin America. Both sides also exchanged views on regional situations in Latin America and Asia.

          During this visit, Mr. Frei participated in “Latin America, Thailand and beyond: Partnership in Global Value Chains” Seminar, organized by the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs on 30 May 2017 and attended the opening ceremony of THAIFEX – World of Food ASIA 2017 on 31 May 2017.

          Thailand established diplomatic relation with Chile in 1962, marking the 55^th anniversary this year. In 2016, the overall bilateral trade between Thailand and Chile stood at USD 895.17 million. Currently, Chile is Thailand’s 4th largest trade partner in Latin America.