Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – David Cameron, in his capacity as Foreign Secretary, embarked on his inaugural journey to Thailand, a significant economic powerhouse within Southeast Asia, marking his first official visit to the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit this week, the Foreign Secretary aims to fortify the UK’s collaborative efforts with one of Southeast Asia’s leading economies. Emphasizing key areas of mutual interest, such as defense, regional security, scientific advancements, economic prosperity, and trade relations, he seeks to deepen the partnership between the UK and Thailand.
The bilateral trade between the UK and Thailand amounts to approximately £6 billion annually, underscoring the importance of enhancing this economic synergy for the benefit of both nations. Expanding upon this foundation, the Foreign Secretary endeavors to identify avenues for strengthening economic ties, thereby fostering growth and prosperity for both countries.
Moreover, Thailand serves as a crucial ally for the UK in matters of security, particularly in advancing peace efforts in Myanmar and upholding international law and regional cooperation. Given the significant volume of global trade traversing the Indo-Pacific region, collaborative endeavors with Thailand on maritime security are imperative to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods vital to the UK’s interests.
David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, highlighted that South East Asia stands as a formidable hub for commerce, with Thailand ranking prominently among its leading economies. Collaborating with nations in this dynamic region translates into job creation and economic growth back home in the UK.
“Thailand is a founding member of ASEAN and an influential player across the Indo-Pacific region. We will continue to work with them to address shared global challenges that affect us all – including the impacts of climate change, rapid technological development, and threats to global health”.
During his visit to a military airbase, the Foreign Secretary will personally witness the strengthening of the defense alliance between the UK and Thailand. He will highlight UK’s backing for the Gripen aircraft campaign, underscoring the depth of cooperation between the two nations in defense matters.
