The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met on Wednesday with his Thai counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, with whom he discussed bilateral relations, the EU’s agenda with Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the regional and global situation. The meeting between the two Ministers took place within the framework of the annual Political Consultations mechanism, which the two countries have maintained since 2017 and which is being held at ministerial level for the first time.
Albares welcomed his counterpart, highlighting the growing exchanges between Spain and Thailand and their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as political dialogue, multilateralism, connectivity and the energy transition. In the Minister’s words, the meeting “seeks to lay the foundations for a closer and more strategic partnership”, in line with Spain’s Asia-Pacific Strategy 2026–2029. In this spirit, the two Ministers signed two agreements during their meeting.
The two Ministers also inaugurated the 4th Spain–Thailand Forum, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation and co-organised by Casa Asia.
Signing of agreements
Before holding the consultations, the Ministers signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of official and service passports, aimed at facilitating exchanges of visits, and a memorandum of cooperation between their diplomatic schools, which provides, among other areas, for Spanish-language training for members of the Thai foreign service and the exchange of experts.
4th Spain–Thailand Forum and bilateral relations
The meeting between the Ministers took place ahead of the 4th Spain–Thailand Forum, hosted this year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in its capacity as the holder of Casa Asia’s rotating presidency (2026). The Forum, launched in 2023 and organised by Casa Asia and the International Studies Centre of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), is a valuable public diplomacy instrument aimed at facilitating dialogue on shared challenges. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Innovation, Technology and Cooperation for a Shared Digital Future”.
During his opening remarks, Albares highlighted the Forum as a crucial public diplomacy instrument for bringing Spanish and Thai societies closer together, as both seek to strengthen their economic resilience by diversifying their partners. This priority is reflected in Spain’s new Strategy, which identifies Thailand as a key partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bilateral relations are currently excellent, driven by record levels of trade, a growing presence of Thai investment in Spain and extensive opportunities for cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure and technology.
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