Bangkok, 08 May, 2020, at 13.30 Hrs. – H.E. Mr. Allan James McKinnon, Ambassador of Australia to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Prayut Chan-o-cha on the occasion of the Ambassador’s assumption of position, according to the Royal Thai Government.
The meeting took place yesterday, 7 May, 2020, at 13.30 Hrs., at the Ivory Room, Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Australian Ambassador for his assumption of position and affirmed that the Royal Thai Government would continue to support the Australian Ambassador’s mission in promoting cordial relations between Thailand and Australia in all dimensions, especially in mutual trade and investment.
The Australian Ambassador expressed appreciation towards the Prime Minister for this meeting and affirmed his commitment to further tighten relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also congratulated the Prime Minister and commended Thailand’s success in curbing the spread of COVID-19, which has also boosted confidence on the country’s public healthcare system among Australians in Thailand.
The Prime Minister called on the Australian Government to take good care of the Thai people who now remain in Australia. He also assured that the Royal Thai Government would continue to take good care of Australians in Thailand.
Both parties also exchanged views on response measures against COVID-19. The Prime Minister was of the view that Thailand and Australia increase cooperation on public healthcare, especially R&D and vaccine development.
Australia praised Thailand and ASEAN’s prompt response against the disease through a proposal on the establishment of the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and expressed full support.
The Prime Minister and Australian Ambassador also exchanged views on labour management and relaxing the lockdown, on which they came to terms that relaxing the lockdown needs to be undertaken very cautiously to avoid the second wave of COVID-19.
They also agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which would further reinforce future cooperation between Thailand and Australia, especially on new aspects of cooperation which are relevant with the changing global context, i.e., digital infrastructure development, and epidemic preparedness and response.
The Prime Minister also thanked Australia for providing scholarships on epidemiology to Thai students.
Source: Royal Thai Government (https://www.thaigov.go.th/)
