On 5 March 2018, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid a visit to Belgium and met with H.E. Mr. Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, at the Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Belgium in Brussels.

          The two Foreign Ministers had a substantive discussion on various issues, including economic cooperation on trade and investment, particularly looking at opportunities along the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and tourism cooperation. Following the success of Thailand and Belgium’s trilateral cooperation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister of Thailand encouraged the Belgian side to explore further opportunities to corporate with Thailand in the trilateral framework to achieve the SDGs. The Belgian side expressed its interest to conclude a number of bilateral agreements such as the Extradition Treaty between Thailand and Belgium, and the Social Security Agreement, while expressing support for the ASEAN - EU FTA negotiations.

          During the meeting, the Thai Foreign Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to the Roadmap which will lead to the holding of general elections and sustainable democracy. The Belgian Foreign Minister commended Thailand’s efforts in this regards.

          Thailand appreciated Belgium’s support which led to the EU FAC’s Conclusions on Thailand resulting in the resumption of political contacts at all levels. In this regard, the Thai side hoped to further strengthen bilateral relations through exchanges of high level visits. Belgium was further informed of an investment roadshow led by H.E. Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister, to Europe to present Thailand’s investment opportunities, especially, in the EEC. 

          Both sides exchanged views constructively on regional and global issues of common interest, including ASEAN-EU relations, the situation in Rakhine, Cambodia, as well as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Belgium commended Thailand’s active role in the region. In her capacity as current Chairman of ACMECS, Thailand is instrumental in drafting the Master Plan which would support the Belt and Road initiative. Belgium was informed that in 2019, Thailand will be the Chairman of ASEAN, and in 2022, Chairman of APEC.

          The meeting between the two Foreign Ministers took place at a momentous time, as this year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Belgium and Thailand. Various activities and events will take place, both in Thailand and Belgium, to commemorate this important milestone in our bilateral relations.