Bangkok, January 17, 2025 – In a significant move to deepen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and Maris Sangiampongsa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council today in Bangkok. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations, underscoring the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance collaboration across a broad spectrum of sectors.
The gathering was a demonstration of the advancing ties between the two governments, with a focus on enhancing coordination and collaboration to fulfill the aspirations of both Saudi and Thai leaders. The Saudi-Thai Coordination Council was established with the aim of fostering deeper integration and connectivity between the two countries in various critical areas, including politics, security, defense, energy, economy, investment, education, culture, tourism, and other shared interests.
During the meeting, the co-chairs reviewed the state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the importance of sustained joint efforts to promote mutual development and shared prosperity. They expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the committee sessions, which resulted in the creation of over 70 joint initiatives across various sectors. These initiatives are expected to enhance cooperation and drive tangible progress in several fields, laying the foundation for a more robust and dynamic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
The ministers emphasized the significance of maintaining momentum in the work of the council, with a focus on ensuring effective collaboration among its subcommittees. They also stressed the need to strengthen institutional coordination in order to enhance the council’s ability to serve as a pivotal framework for bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of implementing the recommendations and initiatives of the committee heads, with the support of the council's general secretariat, in order to deliver concrete results for both nations.
Looking ahead, the two ministers expressed their eagerness to continue the progress made during this first meeting and set their sights on the second council meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. This upcoming gathering is expected to further solidify the framework for long-term cooperation and serve as a platform for advancing the shared goals of both countries.
In a significant development following the meeting, the two foreign ministers signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, formally documenting the outcomes and agreements reached during the session. This was followed by the signing of a cooperation program between the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA). This program aims to foster greater diplomatic collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations, further strengthening the partnership in the realm of international relations.
The meeting in Bangkok stands as a testament to the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, reinforcing their shared commitment to building a brighter and more prosperous future together. Through continued collaboration and the successful implementation of the initiatives agreed upon, the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council is poised to become a key driver of progress, enhancing the overall ties between the two nations on the global stage.
