The 3rd Thailand-Italy Political Consultations

On 2 December 2024, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, co-chaired the 3rd Thailand-Italy Political Consultations. Also in attendance were Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs and H.E. Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand.

Both sides aimed to strengthen concrete areas of cooperation in political affairs, economic cooperation, defence and security, trade and investment, food and agriculture, science, technology, innovation, energy and environment, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people cooperation. During the visit, the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also attended the Opening Ceremony of the Italian Cultural Institute.

In addition, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi hosted a working lunch for the Italian delegation and also discussed on issues of mutual interest in regional issues such as Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the Thai-EU FTA negotiation, which the Italian side expressed her readiness to support the Thai-EU FTA, ASEAN-Italy and ASEAN-EU relations and promoting international cooperation, the outcome of the Italian G7 Presidency this year, developments in Europe and the Middle East, Action Plan between Thailand and Italy, preparations for the official visit of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy in 2025.

Thailand and Italy have new direct flight routes, including Thai Airways from Milan-Bangkok since 1 July 2024, ITA Airways from Rome-Bangkok since 16 November 2024, and charter flight by Neos Airlines from Milan-Phuket scheduled during 30 October 2024 - 1 May 2025.