Thailand, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership

WELLINGTON, Aug 21 (TNA) — Thailand and New Zealand agreed on Friday to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during an official visit by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Wellington.

Anutin met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Government House, where the Thai leader was received with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. The visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During bilateral talks, the two leaders signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership and established a Joint Plan of Action spanning 2026 to 2030. The framework focuses on four key areas: political and security cooperation, trade and innovation, education and cultural exchanges, and regional collaboration.

The two countries set a target to triple bilateral trade to $7.5 billion by 2045 and agreed to update the Thailand–New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP). Key focus areas for economic cooperation include green economy, sustainable agriculture, and food security. 

Four bilateral agreements were signed during the visit, covering culture, education, police information sharing, and a private-sector partnership. New Zealand also expressed support for Thailand's bid to join the OECD.

Additionally, national carrier Thai Airways plans to resume direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland by March 2027.

Following the bilateral meetings, Luxon accompanied Anutin to Ardmore Airport to visit aircraft manufacturer NZAero, where they observed a demonstration of the CT-4 light aircraft and witnessed the signing of an aviation agreement between private firms from both countries. -819 (TNA)