On 24 February 2012, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul held a bilateral talk with Mr. Paulo Portas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, at the Portuguese Foreign Ministry on the occasion of the former’s visit to Portugal on the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s presence in Portugal to preside over and inaugurate the Thai Pavilion (Sala Thai), which is a gift from the Government and People of Thailand to the Government and People of Portugal in commemoration of 500 Years Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. In this regard, both Foreign Ministers held discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues, gist as follows:
1. Both Thailand and Portugal enjoyed 500 years of long lasting friendship. This indeed signifies the long and special history the two countries shared, without any problem existing.
2. The Portuguese Government greatly appreciated the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in Portugal to graciously preside over the Inauguration Ceremony of the Thai Pavilion as a symbol of 500 years of long lasting friendship between Thailand and Portugal. This in turn marks the starting point in the strengthening of relations and the stepping up of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of economics and trade, both in the present and in the future
3. The Portuguese Foreign Minister informed Foreign Minister Surapong of his upcoming visit to Southeast Asia in April 2012, including Thailand, where he would invite Portuguese businessmen to join the trip to meet and discuss ways and means to expand trade and investment opportunities with the Thai private sector.
4. Foreign Minister Surapong expressed admiration towards the role Portugal played as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2011-2012. In this connection, Thailand wishes to apply for the UNSC non-permanent member seat for the term 2017-2018 and seeks Portugal’s support on this matter.
5. Both Thailand and Portugal expressed hope on the signing of pending agreements, as well as the exchange of cooperation in the areas of alternative energy, bioscience and culture in the near future.
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