BANGKOK, 29 October 2014 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn has met with the French ambassador to Thailand to discuss several aspects of bilateral cooperation.
While paying a courtesy call on Gen Tanasak today, Mr Thierry Viteau, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Thailand, expressed determination on his country’s behalf to further maintain the relationship with Thailand which had remained strong for over 300 years. He especially placed an emphasis on the promotion of economic cooperation between the two sides.
The Ambassador pointed out that Thailand was the second biggest trade partner of France in the ASEAN region and approximately 350 French companies were already doing business in Thailand. He added that Mr Philippe Varin, the Special French Representative for Economic Relations with ASEAN Countries, would be visiting Thailand during November 13-18 to participate in the ASEAN Forum for French Foreign Trade Advisors.
According to Mr Viteau, France is intent on promoting the learning of the French language in Thailand. It is believed the move would present more business opportunities for Thailand in Africa since French is the official language of a number of African nations.
On this occasion, Gen Tanasak was invited by the Ambassador to attend the 21st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, which will take place in Paris, France next year.
