During 16-18 April 2024, The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, paid an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Prime Minister’s delegation included the Honourable Simon Watts MP, Member of Parliament, and officials from relevant agencies, along with a business delegation.

Key activities during the Official Visit include a bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers, a courtesy call by the New Zealand business delegation on the Thai Prime Minister, witnessing the signing of MOUs between Thai and New Zealand agencies, and a Joint Press Conference. Additionally, the Thai Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

During the bilateral discussions, the leaders reaffirmed the close and cordial relations between Thailand and New Zealand. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in defense and security, economics, trade, and investment. Notably, both sides agreed to triple two-way trade by 2045 as the Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership approaches its 20th Anniversary next year.

The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on promoting people-to-people relations, particularly in human resource development, education, and exchanges of traveling. On this matter, the potential resumption of direct flights between Thailand and New Zealand and of visa facilitation were addressed.

A Joint Statement was issued during the visit, indicating the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership by 2026, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Other areas of potential cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand include smart agriculture, food innovation, and clean energy.

The New Zealand business delegation, including executives from prominent businesses and relevant agencies, also paid a courtesy call on the Thai Prime Minister. Discussions focused on Thailand’s economic policies and opportunities for mutual trade and investment, particularly in agricultural technology, food innovation, circular energy, and human development, as well as education and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

The Prime Ministers of Thailand and New Zealand also witnessed the signing of two MOUs, including the MOU between The Office of The Basic Education Commission, Thailand and Massey University, New Zealand and the MOU for Supply, Repair and Maintenance Support between  Thai Aviation Industries Company Limited (TAI) and NZSKYDIVE Limited (NZAero). In addition, the two Prime Ministers acknowledged the signing of two MOUs which Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited signed with two New Zealand companies, namely: DSH Systems Limited and SEEN Safety Limited.  That was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Thai Prime Minister in honour of the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

This Official Visit underscores the close and cordial relations between Thailand and New Zealand. This will pave the way and roadmap to drive and implement cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interest between the two countries, which will lead towards the elevation of the relations to a Strategic Partnership by 2026.