Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand

Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier Christopher Luxon at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding.

The first pact is a pioneering educational alliance between Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission and New Zealand’s esteemed Massey University. The second, is a robust commitment to aerial excellence, linking Thai Aviation Industries Co Ltd with New Zealand’s sky-soaring NZSkydive Limited.

Following the ink-on-paper ceremony, the dynamic duo graced a joint press conference, where Srettha hailed Luxon’s first visit to Thai shores in over a decade. Talks pivoted around bolstering cooperation and forging an unbreakable bond between the two nations.

Elevating the stakes, Luxon unveiled the “Prime Minister’s Fellowship,” poised to shape the destiny of the bilateral nexus leading up to the monumental 2026 milestone.

But the ambitions don’t stop there. Both nations pledged a united front against transnational threats, from trafficking to cyber-terrorism, while charting a course towards scientific supremacy in agri-tech, renewable energy, and beyond.

PM Srettha’s elation extended to economic prospects, foreseeing a floodgate of investments, and a tourism boom with streamlined visa processes and direct flights between the two nations, reported Bangkok Post.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to global harmony, with New Zealand pledging to join Thailand in the Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, propelling them towards comprehensive strategic partnerships in the ASEAN region.

ORIGINAL STORY: New Zealand PM to make official visit to Thailand

Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is set for an official visit to Thailand between April 16 and 18, hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Luxon’s delegation includes Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change, Paulo Garcia, Member of Parliament, and a host of officials from various New Zealand government departments, along with influential business leaders.

PM Luxon and PM Srettha will engage in extensive discussions, with the New Zealand business delegation also invited to meet at Government House. A series of Memorandums of Understanding between Thai and New Zealand agencies are scheduled to be signed, witnessed by both prime ministers.

In a show of respect and hospitality, the 62 year old Thai prime minister will host a luncheon dedicated to Luxon. The New Zealand leader will also have the opportunity to meet with notable New Zealanders residing in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and will organise a reception for representatives of the public and private sectors from both nations.

This visit marks the first official trip by a New Zealand prime minister to Thailand in over a decade. According to the Foreign Ministry, the 53 year old Luxon’s visit will serve to strengthen diplomatic bonds that have been in place for nearly 70 years between the two nations.

The visit is anticipated to pave the way for Thailand and New Zealand to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence and security, economy, clean energy, innovation, education, cultural domains, and people-to-people cooperation.

Luxon’s tour of Thailand forms part of a wider Southeast Asian journey set to take place from April 14-20, which also includes stopovers in Singapore and the Philippines.