(L-R) Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade; Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok;
Credit: MAEE
Following his visit to Laos, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, paid a working visit to Thailand on Friday 9 February 2024.
In Bangkok, Minister Bettel was received by the Thai Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jakkapong Sangmanee, for a bilateral meeting and a working lunch to discuss the deepening of bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Thailand. In the context of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ministers Bettel and Sangmanee discussed the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the economic, political and academic fields. Relations between the European Union and Thailand were also discussed, particularly with regard to negotiations on a free trade agreement.
The interview also allowed an exchange of views on international and regional news, including the situation in Ukraine, Gaza and Southeast Asia. In this context, Minister Bettel expressed concern about the political situation and the current humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and inquired about the Thai assessment of the latest developments in the neighbouring country.
Minister Bettel also met with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who briefed him on the efforts undertaken by the city of Bangkok to address the environmental challenges of rapid urbanisation and to clean up waterways, knowing that prevention, collection and recycling solutions can have a real beneficial effect for the thousands of households who live along the canals, particularly in terms of education, safe and quality employment opportunities and healthier environments. Subsequently, Minister Bettel met with private sector players to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Luxembourg's Foreign Minister later delivered a speech at Chulalongkorn University, the oldest university in Thailand, as part of the Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Initiative. The speech, entitled "Diplomacy at the Crossroads: Ingredients for Peace", was followed by an exchange with students from all countries in Southeast Asia. Note that the University of Luxembourg also has an academic agreement with Chulalongkorn University.
