Special Representative of the Prime Minister and of the Minister of Foreign Affairs participated high-level meetings of International Organization of La Francophonie in Paris

On 3-5 October 2024, H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a Special Representative of the Prime Minister and of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, participated in the 45th Session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference (CMF) and the 19th Francophonie Summit (OIF Summit) in Paris, French Republic. The delagations were welcomed by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, along with H.E. Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the OIF.

On this occasion, the Special Representative expressed Thailand's readiness to strengthen cooperation with the OIF, particularly in the areas of education, skill and human resource development, and fostering people-to-people links. Recognizing the importance of language in creating opportunities, careers, and innovation, Thailand is committed to supporting collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector in promoting entrepreneurship and business engagement with Francophone countries for youth and new entrepreneurs.

Concurrently, the Special Representative discussed with several Heads of State/Government, as well as the OIF Secretary General, matters of mutual interest. He also used this opportunity to campaign for Thailand's candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the term of 2025-2027. The President of Assembleé Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) requested a discussion with the Special Representative and invited Thailand to become a member of APF.

Since 2008, Thailand has been an observer of the OIF, collaborating on French language and interpreter training, academic projects, and development initiatives. As ASEAN's candidate for the Human Rights Council (2025-2027), Thailand is committed to promoting good governance and ready to partner with the OIF creating opportunities to vulnerable groups, women, and youth for a better future.