On 6 June 2022, H.E. Urawadee Sriphiromya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, attended a meeting between the Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Ambassador Sriphiromya congratulated ASEAN and Australia on the establishment of a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and commended Australia for the newly announced Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative to support cooperation under the three ASEAN Community pillars, as well as for Australia’s constructive role in the region and support for ASEAN centrality. She also welcomed the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Australia this year.

In addition, Ambassador Sriphiromya proposed that ASEAN and Australia enhace partnership in mutually beneficial areas in which both sides have expertise, such as sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, women empowerment, and the application of the BCG Economy Model which is one of Thailand’s priorities as the host of APEC 2022. Ambassador Sriphiromya also suggested that both sides maintain sustainable development and public health as priorities by deepening collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue in Thailand and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, the secretariat of which will be established in Bangkok.

Photo Courtesy of the ASEAN Secretariat