BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation, particularly in defense technology, innovation, sustainable forestry, and the green energy transition. They also discussed expanding trade and investment, focusing on accelerating Thai-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and securing Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders.
During the visit, both ministers signed a document officially elevating the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting a shared political commitment to deepen cooperation in key areas. Mr. Maris stated that the relationship has long been a strategic partnership in practice, and the signing serves as a symbol to formalize this fact. He emphasized that the partnership is concrete and will be implemented through practical cooperation in sectors such as education, technology-based manufacturing, and private enterprise.
Minister Maris also used the opportunity to present facts regarding the Thai-Cambodian border tensions to the Swedish government. He affirmed Thailand’s strict adherence to international law and the UN Charter and discussed Cambodia’s use of civilians as human shields to create conflict, which violates the ceasefire agreement, the Geneva Conventions, and international law.
The Thai Foreign Affairs Minister added that the Swedish government expressed its appreciation for Thailand, particularly following the Gripen procurement deal, as it believes Thailand’s military actions are strictly for repelling acts of aggression in accordance with international law. (NNT)
