Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to engage in bilateral discussions with South Korea and China following the APEC summit, underscoring the potential benefits for Thailand if these talks align with its national policies.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin, who is also the Minister of the Interior, disclosed his intentions after meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. During an interaction in the leaders' reception room, the South Korean President emphasized the significance of Thailand, prompting discussions on potential trade and investment opportunities. Thailand, a key trading partner of South Korea in general goods and military equipment, anticipates further discussions on public health cooperation, a field in which Anutin has been proactive. Having signed a memorandum of understanding with SK Bioscience, Thailand and South Korea aim to collaborate on vaccine development in the event of a public health crisis.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew highlighted Thailand's increasing prominence on the global stage, referencing the US president's role in mediating discussions between Thailand and Cambodia. The involvement of superpowers underscores the potential for enhanced cooperation, further marked by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US president with Thai leaders.
Anutin noted that with Thailand's participation in the APEC meeting, China has expressed readiness for a full bilateral meeting, offering opportunities to discuss tourism, trade, and technology. The focus will be on maximizing mutual benefits without conflicting with foreign policies. The aim is to foster expansion in sectors like security, military, trade, and investment, transforming the region into a thriving trade hub.