Srettha and Luxon observed the official signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between agencies from Thailand and New Zealand. The agreements involve collaboration between Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission and Massey University of New Zealand, as well as a partnership for supply, repair, and maintenance support between Thai Aviation Industries and NZSkydive.
Srettha expressed his honor in hosting Luxon and his delegation, marking the first visit of a New Zealand prime minister to Thailand in 11 years. He highlighted engaging in a comprehensive and constructive dialogue, along with a productive exchange of ideas with the New Zealand business delegation. The focus was on enhancing cooperation and fostering expanded partnerships between the two nations.
Srettha said both parties agreed to elevate Thailand-New Zealand relations to a 'strategic partnership' by 2026 or sooner, which will mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He added that Thailand and New Zealand also committed to strengthening defense and security cooperation under the Thailand-New Zealand Defence Cooperation Plan, deepening cooperation to tackle transnational organized crime, especially on human and drug trafficking and cybersecurity, as well as countering terrorism and violent extremism.
The two governments agreed to intensify economic cooperation through setting a goal to triple two-way trade by 2045. Srettha promised that cooperation with New Zealand on science, technology, and innovation, including agri-tech, smart farming, food-tech, renewable energy, precision medicine, and digital technology, will also be strengthened. He also expressed hope that the meeting with New Zealand business representatives would open doors for future investments in Thailand, particularly in targeted industries and projects, including the Land Bridge Project.
The prime ministers applauded the advancements in bolstering people-to-people connections, citing New Zealand as the residence of approximately 13,000 Thai nationals and a longstanding appealing destination for Thai students and scholars. They emphasized plans to strengthen collaboration in education and culture.
The leaders engaged in discussions regarding their nations' contributions to regional and global peace, stability, sustainability, and prosperity. Thailand expressed appreciation for New Zealand's interest in becoming a development partner of ACMECS (Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy), in line with its strategic partnership with ASEAN and goal to achieve comprehensive strategic partnership status with ASEAN by 2025.
Srettha expressed gratitude to New Zealand's Prime Minister for backing Thailand's bid for membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as for supporting Thailand's candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2025-2027. Concluding, Srettha conveyed optimism that ongoing bilateral collaboration and the bond between their people would strengthen the friendship and partnership between the two nations for years to come.