By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who is on an official visit to Korea (Aug. 1-2), at the Government Complex in Seoul on August 1, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and the regional situation.

Prime Minister Han welcomed Minister Maris' first official visit to Korea, noting that Thailand is a traditional ally of Korea that sent troops to Korea during the Korean War even before diplomatic relations were established. 

He also expressed his hope that Minister Maris' visit would be a meaningful opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen future cooperation between the two countries.

Maris thanked Prime Minister Han for his hospitality and emphasized that the Thai government attaches great importance to its long-standing relationship with the Republic of Korea.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, future industries, people-to-people exchanges, culture and soft power, to take the bilateral relationship to the next level.

Prime Minister Han expressed his hope that economic cooperation with Thailand, ASEAN's second-largest economy, will be further strengthened through the signing of the Korea-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He also called for strengthening cooperation in clean energy such as nuclear power plants and future industries such as smart infrastructure.

Maris emphasized that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are the foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries, and requested the Korean government's special attention and support to further promote people-to-people exchanges in the fields of tourism and labor. He also expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation in the field of soft power with Korea, a global powerhouse in cultural contents.

Concerned about North Korea's continued provocations and illegal military cooperation with Russia, Han called for Thailand's active role and cooperation to help ASEAN send a clear and united message to North Korea.