Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to engage in bilateral discussions with South Korea and China following the APEC summit, emphasizing that these talks will be expedited if they provide significant benefits to Thailand and align with the country's policies.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin, who also serves as the Minister of the Interior, disclosed his interaction with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on October 27, 2015. The meeting took place at 2:00 PM local time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the leaders' reception, Anutin greeted the South Korean President, highlighting Thailand's importance to South Korea. Anutin mentioned previous conversations with the South Korean President concerning trade and investment, especially in military equipment and general goods. He noted plans for a detailed discussion on public health cooperation during the APEC summit hosted by South Korea on October 29. Anutin's previous tenure as Minister of Public Health saw the initiation of a memorandum of understanding with SK Bioscience, aiming for collaboration in vaccine development during global health crises.
Anutin further shared Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew's insights on Thailand's growing significance on the global stage, referencing the US president's mediation in Thailand-Cambodia negotiations and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the US president with Thai leaders. These developments signify Thailand's re-emergence as a focal point for superpowers.
Additionally, Anutin revealed that the Chinese President has extended an invitation for a full bilateral meeting in South Korea, signaling readiness for cooperation in key areas such as tourism, trade, and technology. Anutin stressed the importance of clear communication to prevent misunderstandings and emphasized the need for mutual support in security, military, trade, and investment to position the region as a thriving trade hub.