Princess visits Ireland to boost ties

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2014
Princess visits Ireland to boost ties

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn met President Michael D Higgins during a two-day visit to the Republic of Ireland at the weekend.

The Princess arrived in Dublin on Saturday and met Higgins at the presidential residence. She also visited several academic and cultural institutions in the Irish capital, such as Trinity College and the National Museum.
The visit aims to strengthen relations between the two countries and develop ties between the people, as well as boost bilateral cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, and science and technology.
The countries established diplomatic ties in 1974. 
The Princess’s visit comes ahead of the opening of Ireland’s new embassy in Thailand this autumn.
Paul Scales, president of the Irish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the importance of this first Thai royal visit to Ireland. 
“Relations between Thailand and Ireland are fast developing in a number of key areas, most noticeably in tourism, trade and agriculture,” he said.
The Nation has been a lead organiser of the Dublin Literary Awards essay-writing contest for young Thais. The winner is rewarded with a trip to Ireland. 
The competition is jointly organised by The Nation, NJ magazine and strategic partners Phuket Gazette and City Life Chiang Mai, with support from the Embassy of Ireland, the Kerry Group, OCS International Facilities Service, the Irish-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Emirates Airlines.