In a significant development for Thailand's foreign policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 11 Jun 2025 that it had successfully hosted the 7th Thailand-Spain Political Consultations, co-chaired by Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Mr. Luis Fonseca Sánchez, Director-General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific of Spain.
The consultations aimed to deepen ties between the two nations and explore opportunities for collaboration in key sectors such as innovation and technology, agriculture, education, tourism, defence technology, energy, and climate change. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations, with a focus on promoting high-level visits that will strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
During the consultations, Thailand extended an invitation to Spain to invest in its strategic Landbridge Project, which seeks to enhance connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe through a network of sea routes. The Thai government also requested Spain's support for ongoing negotiations of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Furthermore, Thailand sought Spain's support for the exemption of visa requirements for Thai ordinary passport holders entering the Schengen Area, a move aimed at facilitating travel between the two nations. The Spanish delegation agreed to provide support for these initiatives, underscoring their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Following the consultations, Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen hosted a working luncheon in honour of the Spanish delegation, where they exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. This event marked an important milestone in Thailand-Spain relations, highlighting the strong foundations for future cooperation between the two nations.
The 7th Thailand-Spain Political Consultation is a testament to Thailand's commitment to its foreign policy objectives, particularly in fostering stronger ties with European partners. As Thailand continues to navigate the complexities of international relations, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic diplomacy and cooperation in advancing national interests.
In conclusion, the 7th Thailand-Spain Political Consultation represents a significant achievement for Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demonstrating the country's capacity to foster strong diplomatic relationships with key partners. As Thailand looks to further strengthen its ties with Europe and beyond, this event serves as an important stepping stone in the pursuit of its foreign policy objectives.