Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Angelino Alfano visited Thailand to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries, while continuing its effort to strengthen relations.
COOPERATION: Italian Angelino Alfano wants to strengthen relations with Thailand.
Meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Mr Alfano expressed Italy and the European Union’s hope that the Thai government will fulfil its promise to hold elections, restore an open and inclusive democracy, and show full respect for human rights.
“A quick transition process [in Thailand] will pave the way for reopening relations with the European Union at all levels, on the basis of the conclusions passed by the [National] Council on Dec 11,” Mr Alfano said.
Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said Gen Prayut responded by insisting that the government was indeed committed to restoring a strong and sustainable democracy in Thailand.
The Italian minister showed interest in collaborating with Thailand in the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor, mentioning Italians are among the leading experts in the areas of infrastructure and energy.
Mr Alfano also met with his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai to address the state of bilateral relations, reviewing positive developments in trade, with figures of about 2.5 billion euros per year.
He further cited increasing tourist flows, with about 265,000 Italians visiting Thailand every year, and relevant twoway investment schemes. The talks also touched on political issues in Southeast Asia and cooperation in Asean.
The minister also met with members of the Italy-Thailand Business Forum, involving 40 large and medium-sized companies run by the two countries, which has an overall annual turnover of $US500 billion.
Economic relations between Italy and Thailand are strong, and trade has a strong growth potential, the ministers agreed. Last year, Thai exports to Italy rose to 8% and Italian exports to Thailand grew by 7%, the Italian embassy said.
