Director-General of European Affairs Department co-chairs the 4th Thailand - Netherlands Political Consultations

วันที่นำเข้าข้อมูล 21 Oct 2025

วันที่ปรับปรุงข้อมูล 21 Oct 2025

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On 16 October 2025, Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Mrs. Dominique Kuhling, Director-General of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, co-chaired the 4th Thailand - Netherlands Political Consultations in The Hague, Netherlands.

Both sides reviewed progress and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, water resource management, and agri-food technology. They also explored new areas of cooperation such as clean energy, semiconductors, and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. The Dutch side also expressed its readiness to support Thailand in the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and the consideration of Schengen visa exemption for holders of ordinary Thai passports. Both sides also exchanged views on human rights and regional and global issues.

The Director-General also had a discussion with Rector Magnificus Professor Dr. Tom Veldkamp of the University of Twente to discuss ways in promoting human resource development in support of the growth of emerging technologies and innovation. She toured ChipTech Twente, the university’s research and innovation centre for advanced semiconductor and chip technologies, and Nanolab, the university’s research and innovation centre for nanotechnology.

The year 2024 marked the 420th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Netherlands, which was commemorated through a series of celebratory events, including a special seminar titled “Water Diplomacy: 420 Years and Solutions to Flood Prevention,” held at the Ministry on 24 September 2024. The Netherlands is currently Thailand’s largest investor and second-largest trading partner in the European Union, as well as plays an important role in sharing technology and expertise on water resource management and flood prevention with Thai agencies.

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