On 7 November 2011, Mr. Javier Becker Marshall, Chilean Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call to Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul during which the Ambassador expressed his condolences to the Government and people of Thailand regarding the current flood situation. He also expressed Chile’s readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations in 2012.
The Ambassador informed the Foreign Minister that Chile donated 25,000 USD to Thailand through the Thai Red Cross Society to help the flood victims. Regarding the Celebration of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, the Chilean side would arrange some activities such as “Taste of Chile” Food Festival and Music performance, which would help to enhance the bilateral relations, especially in people-to-people contact. In addition, the Ambassador expressed his hope that the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and Chile would be concluded and signed by the two sides at the earliest occasion in order to build confidence for the Chilean investors who were interested in investing in Thailand.
Foreign Minister Surapong congratulated the Ambassador upon his assumption of duty and expressed Thailand’s readiness to further enhance cooperation with Chile. Thailand is planning number of activities to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations such as issuance of Commemorative Thai-Chilean Stamp, Thailand — Chile Film Festival, Painting Competition and building of Thai Pavilion in “Plaza Tailandia” in Santiago, Chile. Moreover, the Foreign Minister is looking forward to holding a bilateral meeting with the Chilean Foreign Minister during the upcoming APEC Ministerial Meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th