On 30 May 2023, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a bilateral meeting with, and joined a lunch reception hosted in his honour by, H.E. Mr. Iwaya Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Japan to deliver a keynote address at the 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia in Tokyo, as representative of the Prime Minister.

The Foreign Ministers of both countries held wide-ranging discussions on ways to promote cooperation between the two countries in all dimensions. Japan and Thailand enjoy a close friendship, which has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Thailand – Japan relations have therefore been an important foundation for Japan’s relations with the Southeast Asian region, and with important implications for the region as a whole. Therefore, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in all dimensions, especially given the current environment of trade tensions between major powers, economic downturns, and emerging challenges.

Therefore, Thailand and Japan have strengthened strategic cooperation on security and defence, disaster management, addressing transnational crime, and the creation of a new mechanism known as the Energy and Industry Dialogue (EID). The EID held its first meeting in Bangkok in April this year, and will support the green energy transition of Japanese industries in Thailand. Discussions also included preparations for the celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027, high-level visits scheduled this year, promotion of the tourism industry, and people-to-people relations.

The Foreign Ministers also discussed, in an open manner, uncertainties in the region, global economic challenges, and the alignment of cooperation between Thailand and Japan at the regional and multilateral levels, particularly ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and within the Mekong sub-region, where both countries have long been key players, for the continued mutual benefit of both countries into the future.