26 June 2024

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

ON THE 14TH THAILAND-SINGAPORE

CIVIL SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

25-26 JUNE 2024

BANGKOK, THAILAND

The 14^th Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 25 to 26 June 2024. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, jointly officiated the Opening Ceremony of the meeting.  

Since its inception in 1997, CSEP has played an important role in promoting closer contact and enhancing cooperation between the two civil services in areas such as health, leadership development, education, tourism, youth, technology, trade facilitation, food security, labour, law, and the environment. The 14^th CSEP Plenary was co-chaired by Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore.

In view of the changing global environment and to advance future-oriented bilateral cooperation, the 14^th CSEP was convened under the theme, “Embarking on a Green Partnership in a Digitalised Era”, with discussions taking place under three Pillars comprising Partnership for Sustainability, Partnership for Economic Growth and Social Development, and Partnership for Human Empowerment and Public Service Development respectively. Senior officials from many government ministries and agencies of both countries reviewed the ongoing cooperation between the two civil services and agreed to cooperate on new proposals in a wide range of areas, including digital economy and digitalisation, green economy, sustainable development, carbon credits, energy, health, international dispute resolution, future-ready workforce development, and human resource development for government officials. Cooperation in these areas would facilitate closer partnership between the private sectors of Thailand and Singapore that is essential for sustainable economic growth, as well as provision of better public services for the peoples of both countries.

Thailand and Singapore will celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025. Both countries are committed to elevating the bilateral partnership for the benefit of our peoples. Thailand and Singapore look forward to the 15^th CSEP, which will be held in Singapore.

.     .     .     .     .     .

Ministry of Foreign Affairs                                                                                                Ministry of Foreign Affairs

of the Kingdom of Thailand                                                                                             of the Republic of Singapore