On 26 August 2020, Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Chee Wee Kiong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, co-chaired the First Meeting of the Political Consultations between Thailand and Singapore via video conference. This consultation reflects both sides’ commitment to maintain close communications and advance cooperation between the two countries.

 

The Permanent Secretaries shared the view on the dynamism of Thailand - Singapore bilateral relations, and discussed ways and means to further expand cooperation in response to COVID-19 in key areas, namely, trade and investment, digital economy, public health and human resource development. Both sides agreed to maintain momentum of cooperation towards Post-COVID-19 recovery, particularly in strengthening supply chains resilience, facilitating essential business connectivity through a Reciprocal Green Lane arrangement, and promoting exchanges on health safeguards and vaccine development. They also expressed appreciation for the mutual assistance and support rendered amidst the pandemic, including the contribution of medical supplies and the facilitation of repatriation of each other’s nationals.

 

The Permanent Secretaries also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Both sides reassured their cooperation in bolstering ASEAN’s centrality and resilience and in contributing to the advancement of the region in response to emerging challenges. They also stressed the importance of expediting economic recovery and deepening regional economic integration through connectivity and regional economic mechanisms, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to be signed later this year.