Thailand, Australia boost ties during PM Anutin’s Canberra visit

CANBERRA, Aug 19 (TNA) – Thailand and Australia agreed on Wednesday to deepen their strategic partnership, signing agreements on economic connectivity and combating transnational crime following bilateral talks in Canberra.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House with a 19-gun salute and a guard of honor—marking the first official visit by a Thai prime minister to Australia in 14 years.

Prior to expanded delegation talks, the two leaders held a restricted bilateral meeting focused on trade facilitation, reducing commercial barriers, and tackling transnational offenses.

The two sides announced plans to boost bilateral trade and investment under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), while also agreeing to establish a biennial defense ministers' meeting to strengthen regional security cooperation.

They signed two joint statements focused on tackling online fraud, human trafficking, narcotics, and money laundering, as well as deepening economic engagement. -819 (TNA)