By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Presidential Office on Oct. 16, exchanging views on ways to develop bilateral relations.

President Lee congratulated Prime Minister Anutin on his inauguration last September, stating that he values the relationship with Thailand, a traditional ally that fought alongside Korea for freedom and peace during the Korean War.

The two leaders acknowledged the significant progress in bilateral relations across various fields, including trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

They agreed to actively pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in defense industry, digital finance, and infrastructure construction to further deepen and develop the “strategic partnership” between the two countries.

To this end, they pledged to cooperate to ensure the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), currently under negotiation.

Prime Minister Anutin expressed support for and high regard toward South Korea's policies, including the END initiative for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and resuming inter-Korean dialogue.

He stated he expects President Lee's efforts to contribute to regional and global peace. President Lee expressed gratitude and hoped for continued support for the South Korean government's efforts.

Prime Minister Anutin of Thailand expressed his gratitude for President Lee's congratulatory message on his inauguration and said he looked forward to meeting him at the ASEAN-related summits and the APEC Summit in Gyeongju later this month.