Reporting in a government statement, On 13 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri and Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. This meeting, occurring on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, reflects a strategic prioritization of economic cooperation between Thailand and the UAE. The statement does not mention the specific agenda of the discussions, but it highlights the ongoing importance of Thailand’s relationship with the UAE as its largest trading partner within the Middle East. The event underscores Thailand’s commitment to engaging within key international forums such as the BRICS summit.
Background
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ press release indicates a continuous effort to strengthen bilateral ties with the UAE. Prior to this meeting, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs engaged in diplomatic relations with the UAE through various channels, including the 8 September 2026 meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Thailand, and a visit by the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs on 11 September 2026. The 20-Year “5S” Foreign Affairs Masterplan, a key strategic document, prioritizes economic diplomacy and strengthening partnerships with major trading nations. The statement does not address the specific details of these prior engagements, but their existence demonstrates a sustained focus on cultivating relationships with key global partners.
Analysis
The meeting’s focus on “strengthening economic cooperation” suggests a desire by Thailand to diversify its trade portfolio and mitigate risks associated with reliance on a single market. The UAE’s designation as Thailand’s “largest trading partner in the Middle East” implies a recognition of the UAE’s strategic importance as a gateway to regional markets and a significant investor. The agreement to “promote more balanced two-way trade and investment” indicates an awareness of potential imbalances and a proactive approach to fostering a more equitable economic relationship. The emphasis on “expediting the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)” signals a concrete objective – a long-standing trade agreement that has faced delays – while the discussion on “enhancing cooperation on energy security to support sustainable growth” reflects Thailand’s broader efforts to secure its energy supply. The statement does not address the potential challenges or obstacles that may impede the progress of these initiatives.
Implications
For policymakers, this meeting represents an opportunity to advance Thailand’s economic diversification strategy. Should the UAE demonstrate renewed commitment to the CEPA, it could unlock significant trade opportunities for Thai exporters. The discussions on energy security are particularly relevant given Thailand’s vulnerability to global energy price fluctuations and the need to secure stable and reliable supplies. The meeting’s occurrence at the BRICS summit suggests an alignment with the broader trend of Southeast Asian nations seeking to expand their economic influence within the group. The statement does not mention the potential implications for Thailand’s foreign policy towards other regional partners.
Outlook
If the visit yields a renewed commitment to the CEPA, Thailand could anticipate increased trade flows with the UAE. Should the UAE demonstrate a willingness to invest in Thailand’s energy sector, it could bolster the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth. The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of both countries to overcome potential logistical and regulatory hurdles. The statement does not address the potential impact of global economic conditions or geopolitical developments on the bilateral relationship.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Ambassador of the State of Israel to Thailand (8 Sep 2026)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Republic of India (10 Sep 202)
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil during his official visit to Thailand (11 Sep 202)