BRUSSELS, 6 March 2013 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has assured the Belgian House Speaker of Thailand’s economic and political stability, as part of her official visit to Belgium.
While in Brussels, Ms Yingluck met with the President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Andr? Flahaut, to discuss efforts to strengthen trade, investment and cultural ties, and to assure Belgian authorities of Thailand’s growing political stability and commitment to democracy. The topic of free-trade negotiations with the European Union is expected to dominate bilateral discussions, as Ms Yingluck and President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, are set to issue a joint statement on Thursday on the formation of a free trade agreement.
During her visit, the Thai premier is slated to request that Thai passport holders not be required to acquire the Schengen visa, in a bid to increase free flow travel and investment. She is also scheduled to attend a business networking reception and luncheon organized by Belgium’s Board of Investment.
Prime Minister Yingluck was granted an audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Philippe of the Kingdom of Belgium on Wednesday in order to discuss his upcoming visit to Thailand from March 17th to 22nd.
Currently, nearly 100,000 Belgians visit Thailand each year and over 3,000 Thai nationals are residing in Belgium.
