Closer ties, greater cooperation discussed at Srettha's meeting with Australian PM
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese have expressed their resolve to enhance cooperation at multiple levels at the upcoming special summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia relations next year.
The two leaders met on November 16 in San Francisco during the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperations Economic Leaders' Meeting in the US.
Thai government spokesperson Chai Watcharong said Srettha had told Albanese that Thailand would be participating in the event in Australia and also intended to bring private sector representatives.
The two leaders acknowledged that significant progress had been made towards an advanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as closer people-to-people exchanges, Chai said.
Chai said the leaders highlighted tourism as a pivotal policy for both governments. Srettha briefed Albanese about numerous leading companies relocating their production bases to Thailand, particularly for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and the establishment of data centres. This aligned with Thailand's beneficial investment policies for the private sector, Chai said.
The Australian PM expressed delight and confidence in Thailand's participation at the special summit in March 2024, marking 50 years of ASEAN-Australia relations.
Chai said a large number of Thai nationals reside across various sectors in Australia, such as business and culinary ventures. Both nations have a strong collaboration in education. However, due to the high inflation rate resulting from international circumstances, local products in Australia have seen price hikes, affecting the citizens.
Albanese laid emphasis on the ASEAN-Australia relationship, particularly in economic aspects.
Albanese said the special summit to celebrate 50 years of ASEAN-Australia relations was crucial, and Australia welcomed the participation of ASEAN leaders. He said economic ties between Australia and ASEAN were mutually supportive. Albanese also commended the successful hosting of the APEC 2022 meeting by Thailand as the host nation.
