Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, held a farewell meeting with H.E. Mr. Pedro Zwahlen, the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation, marking the end of the ambassador's term. The meeting, held in the Thai Khu Fah Building, underscored the strong trading relationship between Thailand and Switzerland and called for a swift implementation of the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards the Swiss Ambassador for his role in enhancing bilateral relations during his tenure. Anutin highlighted the ongoing cooperation in multiple sectors, including the advancement of the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement, which includes the European Free Trade Association countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Discussions also covered collaborations in science, technology, sustainable development, and education, with Anutin affirming Switzerland as a key partner for Thailand.
The meeting also addressed high-level visits, with the Prime Minister thanking Switzerland for its support and anticipating the Swiss President's visit to Thailand in October for the IMF and World Bank meetings. Anutin expressed optimism that this visit would strengthen leadership-level relations and boost economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The anticipated visit of a Swiss business delegation to Thailand was also warmly welcomed.
The Swiss Ambassador commended Thailand's efforts toward OECD membership and pledged full support for ongoing collaborations. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the robust economic ties, noting Switzerland's position as Thailand's top trading partner in Europe and within the EFTA group. They agreed on supporting investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor and advancing cooperation in innovation, medical technology, advanced manufacturing, and the BCG economy. Additionally, they discussed knowledge exchange on climate change adaptation and sustainable development.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence that the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement would soon be realized, thereby reinforcing the strong foundation of Thai-Swiss relations and paving the way for future cooperation.