1. Lee Yong-joon, the Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, met with his Thai counterpart 
Apichart Chinwanno for the 1st Korea-Thailand Policy Consultation in Seoul on June 16.

2. In the Policy Consultation, the two sides noted with satisfaction achievements in Korea-Thailand 
cooperation in government affairs, economy, culture and other diverse fields; consulted on ways to 
work more closely together; and exchanged views on the current situation of the Korean peninsula, 
Southeast Asia and the overall region. The main agenda of the meeting was as follows:

[Assessment of Korea-Thailand Relations]

ο The two sides expressed satisfaction that the realm of the Korea-Thailand relationship had expanded 
to include government affairs, economy, society, culture and various other areas since the establishment 
of diplomatic ties in 1958. They then agreed to further boost substantive friendly cooperation between the 
two countries.

- With this year marking the 60th year since the outbreak of the Korean War, the Korean side, in particular, 
extended deep appreciation for Thailand having fought alongside Korea in the War although the diplomatic 
ties had not been forged until 1958.

- The Thai delegation noted that Korea, an Asian model of economic development and democratization, 
has lately seen its stature in Thailand further enhanced by hallyu.

[Cooperation in Economy and Trade]

ο The Thai side voiced anticipation for increased presence of Korean firms in the country, especially in 
the sectors the country is focused on fostering, which include express and other forms of railway; media, 
animation and other contents industries; software development; and automobiles.

ο The two delegations agreed to work more closely together in the green-growth and nuclear-energy areas.

[Cooperation in Culture and Education]

ο The two sides concurred on increasing efforts to further vitalize cultural exchange between the two 
countries. Such efforts include support for Korean-language education; granting scholarships to more 
Thai students; expansion of the market base for Thai food in Korea; and promotion of tourism cooperation.

[Cooperation on Regional and International Stage]

ο The two sides agreed to continue close cooperation in East Asia’s regional cooperation bodies such as 
ASEAN and the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum).

ο The Thai side took note of Korea’s efforts to have the positions of developing countries balancedly 
reflected in the G20 Seoul Summit.

[Regional Situation]

ο The Korean side expressed gratitude for Thailand’s issuance of a strong statement supporting our 
position with regard to the Cheonan incident. The two sides then exchanged views on the situation of 
the Korean peninsula down the road.

ο Positively noting the recent stabilization of the situation in Thailand, the Korean delegation spoke highly 
of the Thai government’s efforts toward national reconciliation. 

3. The launch of the Korea-Thailand Policy Consultation, which the two countries will host on a rotational 
basis every year, is expected to contribute to further deepening relations with Thailand, one of Korea’s 
traditional allies in Southeast Asia and one of its core ASEAN partners.

                           Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation