The Honorable Angelino Alfano, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, is visiting Thailand as Guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during 8 – 9 February 2018. On 9 February 2018, the Honorable Alfano is scheduled to have a meeting with H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Subsequently, the Honorable Alfano will pay a courtesy call on H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Government House. The visit is also timely as it coincides with the celebration of 150^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Italian Republic.

          Both Ministers are expected to discuss issues of common interest, such as the strengthening of bilateral political and economic cooperation through exchange of visits, expansion of trade and investment, especially in the areas which would contribute to the Thailand 4.0 policy and the development of the Eastern Economic Corridors (EEC), capacity building to enhance SMEs competitiveness in fashion design and textiles, cooperation on science, technology and innovation (STI), particularly in food innovation, startups and biotechnology, as well as promotion of people-to-people contacts through cultural and tourism collaboration.

          The visit of the Honorable Alfano to Thailand reflects Italy’s intention to revitalize political relations with Thailand following the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the European Union’s Conclusions on Thailand.