France, The Prime Minister and the President of France attended a press conference to discuss strengthening relations in all dimensions. Let’s aim for a close partnership between us from now on.
Today (11 March 2024) at 1:10 p.m. local time in Paris at the French Presidential Palace (Palais de l’Elysée), Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic Joint press conference Summary of important points as follows:
The French president gave a brief speech. that the two countries must cooperate in economics, trade and determination to tackle challenges in Southeast Asia. which in the end It will make both bilateral relations and multilateralism results in peace. and stability in the world
The Prime Minister thanks the welcome in the French Republic. This is the first official bilateral visit to a European country since taking office. We are pleased with France’s hosting of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games and hope to have the opportuni
ty to welcome President Macron to Thailand again. Thailand and France have historical ties. The stance and vision for managing the country are similar in many respects, with the Prime Minister mentioning 4 important fundamentals leading to strategic partnership between them as follows:
Thailand and France have a close and long relationship that spans more than 300 years. 2025 will mark 340 years of diplomatic relations, and in 2026 the two sides plan to celebrate 170 years of diplomatic relations.
Both countries value universal values ??in many areas, such as promoting democracy, human rights, and gender equality. and providing humanitarian assistance They all have a common goal to create stability and sustainability for the people. Focus on creating human security in every dimension.
Have a common position in maintaining peace, stability, and security. Thailand plays an important role in the ASEAN region. There is an ASEAN perspective on the Indo-Pacific. France and the European Union also have strategies
for the Indo-Pacific. that allows for more constructive interaction between regions Help create strategic balance amidst the competition of great powers.
Both sides agreed that cooperation of many countries On the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. international law humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter It will help resolve conflict situations that arise.
Thai and French governments We share a vision to build a resilient, sustainable economy that takes into account the green and digital transition.
The Prime Minister mentioned the announcement of 8 visions to ignite the potential of Thailand as a regional center in 8 areas, namely tourism. medical and health Agriculture and food, aviation, regional transport Future automotive production digital economy and finance and will invite France to join as a partner with Thailand as follows
Regional partner for future automotive manufacturing, aviation and transportation Thailand aims to be a center for producin
g electric vehicles in the region according to the 30@30 policy, which will discuss cooperation in automobiles, clean energy, aviation and transportation. Including inviting leading companies in French port management. Consider investing in Thailand’s land bridge project.
The Prime Minister also praised France’s Paris Pact for People and the Planet or 4P Initiative, which aims to eliminate poverty while preserving the planet. and increasing the role of the private sector in raising funds to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. which is consistent with the policy towards the goal of being a low carbon society in Thailand as well.
Economic, trade and investment partnership Thailand and France are both important investment partners. The Prime Minister believes that if the Thai-European Union Free Trade Agreement is negotiated When completed by 2025, the value of trade and investment will increase significantly. Thailand has also submitted a letter of intent to become a member of the OECD, which will
help raise the standard of the Thai economy. That is in line with international standards as well.
The Prime Minister hopes to cooperate with France in developing raw materials. and Thai silk and fabric design techniques in collaboration with leading French fashion institutes. and cooperate with leading French brands and department stores to bring Thai fashion products to the French market. Including promoting Thai films at the Cannes Film Festival.
Defense Industry Partnership, where the Prime Minister will propose a joint venture between the two sides and technology transfer To make Thailand a production base and military equipment maintenance center in the region.
The Prime Minister further said that over the past two days he met with executives of more than 20 leading French business companies from the automotive, aviation, clean energy, fashion, sports, hospitality and tourism sectors. To increase business opportunities and opportunities in both countries. Thailand is home to the largest French commun
ity in the ASEAN region. It is the second-largest long-distance tourist destination for French people, while the more than 200,000 Thai tourists traveling in France are considered high-quality, high-income tourists. The Prime Minister reiterated that he hopes France will provide support in waiving visas to enter the zone. Schengen for Thai people To promote tourism between each other Ready to emphasize Thailand’s commitment to a close, sustainable and comprehensive partnership with France. Decades from now.
Source: Thai News Agency