In a significant development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 20 Jun 2025 that H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call and held bilateral discussions with H.E. Ms. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The two sides discussed ways to further enhance and promote bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, green innovation, and startups. The Finnish side expressed its support for the ongoing negotiations of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and welcomed Thailand’s participation in Slush 2025 in November, where Thai startup entrepreneurs will showcase their potentials.
Thailand’s participation in Slush is seen as a valuable opportunity to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. This move underscores Thailand's commitment to fostering international partnerships that promote economic growth and innovation.
Furthermore, both sides also exchanged views on ASEAN-related cooperation, as well as regional and international developments, particularly the situations in Ukraine and Myanmar. The Finnish Minister commended Thailand for its humanitarian assistance and development cooperation efforts in Myanmar.
The visit highlights Thailand's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with European countries, including Finland, which is an important partner in promoting trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Thailand's growing economy and its role as a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) make it an attractive destination for foreign investors and businesses. The visit demonstrates Thailand's commitment to building strong relationships with like-minded countries that share similar values and goals.
In conclusion, the bilateral talks between Thailand and Finland demonstrate the two countries' commitment to strengthening their ties through trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. As Thailand continues to navigate its role in regional and international affairs, this partnership is seen as a valuable opportunity for promoting economic growth, innovation, and cooperation.