In a significant development in Southeast Asian diplomacy, Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, recently joined a high-level bilateral discussion between the Prime Minister of Thailand and the President of the Philippines on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit.
On 26 May 2025, Minister Sangiampongsa engaged in a productive exchange with H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. The discussion focused on fostering stronger ties between the two nations, with a focus on economic cooperation, tourism, and security.
The Prime Minister of Thailand accepted an invitation extended by the President of the Philippines for her to pay an official visit to the country, which will serve as a valuable opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual understanding. The visit is expected to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two nations in various sectors.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to increase trade and investment between Thailand and the Philippines. The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed her readiness to export more agricultural products from Thailand to the Philippines, while the President of the Philippines recognized the significant role of the Thai private sector and invited more Thai companies to invest in the country, particularly in agriculture and energy.
Both countries also pledged to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector, recognizing its potential as a key driver of economic growth. Furthermore, they agreed to increase cooperation to combat transnational crimes, such as online scams and human trafficking, which pose significant threats to regional security.
In addition, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing ASEAN economic cooperation, aiming to strengthen the region's economy amidst global uncertainties. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized Thailand's support for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and its goal of creating a prosperous and competitive economic community among member states.
The meeting demonstrated Thailand's continued commitment to regional diplomacy and its desire to foster strong partnerships with like-minded nations in Southeast Asia. As the 20-year "5S" Foreign Affairs Masterplan comes into effect, this bilateral discussion underscores Thailand's efforts to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries and promote regional stability.
In conclusion, Minister Sangiampongsa's visit to Malaysia marked an important milestone in Thailand-Philippines relations, highlighting the country's dedication to fostering strong partnerships with Southeast Asian nations. As the region navigates global challenges, Thailand's proactive approach to diplomacy is likely to yield significant benefits for both its economy and regional security.