Prayut meets with new ambassador
Thailand and Australia yesterday pledged to create more trade opportunities, promote multilateral cooperation and combat human trafficking as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met new Australian ambassador Angela Jane Macdonald at Government House yesterday.
In a press briefing afterwards, government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri said Gen Prayut had congratulated Ms Macdonald on her appointment as the ambassador to Thailand.
The premier said Thailand and Australia enjoyed close relations and strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation and there was potential to broaden the partnership further.
Gen Prayut also expressed appreciation for activities held by the Australian embassy to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.
Macdonald: Happyat trafficking effort
Ms Macdonald thanked the Thai government for a warm welcome and expressed satisfaction with the close ties and cooperation that covered trade, investment, security and education among others.
The ambassador pledged to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation and reaffirmed Australia’s support for Thailand as it is prepared to host the 2022 Apec summit next month, said Mr Anucha.
Both countries will aim to meet the goals set under the 2022-2025 draft strategic partnership plan, especially in the areas of security, human trafficking, cyber security, public health, education and people-to-people relations. The Australian ambassador also confirmed Canberra’s support for sub-regional and regional cooperation frameworks, said.
On human trafficking, according to Mr Anucha, Gen Prayut said the issue was one of Thailand’s top priorities while Ms Macdonald expressed confidence that Australia’s Counter Trafficking in Persons Centre of Excellence would play a key role in driving closer cooperation.
Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the ambassador expressed confidence that trade and investment, as well as tourism, would expand as both sides look to seal more trade and investment agreements, Mr Anucha said.