PM to Hold Dinner Talks with Macron in Paris
PM Anutin will visit France from May 21-27 for dinner talks with President Macron, focusing on AI, energy, trade and investment to strengthen bilateral ties and position Thailand as a hub for French businesses.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his upcoming visit to France will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, trade and investment opportunities, as Thailand seeks to strengthen ties with French businesses and political leaders.
Speaking at Government House on 21 May before departing for France from 21-27 May, Anutin said he had already assigned responsibilities to relevant agencies ahead of the trip.
The prime minister said French President Emmanuel Macron had invited him to a dinner meeting, which he described as a sign that France attaches importance to Thailand despite the visit not being an official state trip.
Anutin said informal discussions between leaders could sometimes produce better results than formal meetings.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat would also join discussions while carrying out missions in France. The permanent secretary for foreign affairs will attend to help coordinate follow-up work after the talks.
According to Anutin, the discussions will cover AI, energy cooperation, trade value enhancement and Thailand's readiness to serve as an investment hub for French businesses.
He said Thailand also hopes to expand cooperation with France in fashion, design and food industries by promoting Thai raw materials, local wisdom, technology and creativity.
"France is a global leader in fashion. Thailand may not yet compete in branding, but we can present our raw materials, local wisdom, design technology and knowledge to French entrepreneurs," he said.
Anutin also stressed Thailand's strength in food security, saying the country could use it as leverage in international negotiations.
Asked whether he would discuss Cambodia with Macron following the French leader's talks with Cambodia's prime minister, Anutin said he was prepared to clarify Thailand's position if asked.
He said he oversees the issue directly and was ready to explain the situation to the international community, noting France's influential role globally.
