Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. In an official meeting, both sides reaffirmed their determination to resolve all outstanding issues between Thailand and Saudi Arabia and to normalize relations between the two kingdoms. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations and opening a new chapter in the relationship between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand emphasized that Thailand attaches the utmost importance to its friendship with Saudi Arabia and expressed his deep regret for the tragic events that occurred in Thailand between 1989 and 1990. He reiterated that Thailand had made every effort to clarify these cases and was prepared to submit them to the appropriate Thai authorities should new, substantiated evidence emerge. He also reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to providing reasonable security to the members of the mission of the Royal Saudi Arabian Embassy in Bangkok, in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Both sides further reaffirmed their obligation to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of each other's nationals in their respective countries.

Both sides exchanged views on various regional and international issues and discussed ways to strengthen their bilateral relations in all areas. They also agreed to intensify cooperation and coordination between their respective government agencies and the private sector to further develop bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both kingdoms.

In a spirit of cooperation and a shared desire to revive the friendship and cordial relations between the two kingdoms and their peoples, under the leadership and vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, both sides agreed to the full normalization of their diplomatic relations. This historic breakthrough is the culmination of years of effort by both sides on many levels to restore mutual trust and friendly relations.

Both sides agreed on important steps to strengthen their bilateral relations, including the prompt appointment of ambassadors to their respective capitals and the establishment of consultation mechanisms to deepen bilateral cooperation. Intensive coordination of bilateral cooperation in key strategic areas will begin in the coming months.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen and expand economic and trade relations between the two kingdoms by examining investment and other opportunities within the context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Thailand's national development agenda, particularly its bio-, circular, and green economic policies. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, such as renewable energy, environmental protection, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of fostering inter-population relations, which will form the foundation of the growing relationship between the two kingdoms, as well as the importance of promoting interreligious dialogue and multiculturalism.

Both sides agreed to support each other in international organizations and forums and emphasized the importance of all countries' commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international norms and principles of good neighborliness, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They welcomed each other's constructive contributions in their regions, particularly Thailand's important role in ASEAN and Saudi Arabia's leading role in maintaining peace and security, as well as in humanitarian aid and development cooperation.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand congratulated Saudi Arabia on its success in hosting and organizing the G20 Summit, which yielded positive results in many areas, including the economy, development, the environment, health, and energy. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also expressed confidence that Thailand's alignment with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) initiative in 2022 will be successful and will contribute significantly to sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth of the regional and global economy in the post-COVID-19 era.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand welcomed the Saudi Arabian Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, both launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia's leading role in various joint international affairs, including the fight against climate change and its positive impact on the region and its people. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia further commended Thailand's policy of a circular, green economy, which aims to increase resource efficiency, transform waste into valuable materials, restore biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conveying his best wishes for the health and well-being, prosperity, and progress of the Saudi people. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being, prosperity, and progress of the Thai people to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.