Bangkok: "Thailand-New Zealand" has been elevated to a "strategic partnership" following the signing of a 5-year joint action plan to combat transnational crime and money laundering. New Zealand has also increased the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships to 39 for Thai graduate students.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, welcomed Mr. Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, on his official visit to Thailand. After bilateral discussions, they signed the Joint Action Plan for the Thailand-New Zealand Strategic Partnership 2026-2030. This development follows the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Thailand in April 2024, where both nations' leaders expressed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Thailand and New Zealand have enjoyed a relationship characterized by mutual understanding, trust, and friendship for 70 years. The newly signed joint action plan, the first between the two nations, aims to deliver tangible results and outcomes over five years, encompassing four key pillars: Politics and Security; Economy, Trade, and Innovation; Culture and People-to-People Relations; and Regional and Multilateral Cooperation. The plan includes efforts to combat transnational crime and money laundering, aspirations to triple bilateral trade by 2045, and a focus on agricultural cooperation. Additionally, it seeks to enhance people-to-people ties through expanded scholarships and exchanges, with New Zealand increasing the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for Thai students from four to 39. New Zealand also plans to resume direct flights to Thailand and facilitate Thai nationals' access through the eGate immigration system.
In a post-signing interview, Mr. Sihasak emphasized the importance of elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership, underscoring the action plan's role in fostering cooperation in multiple areas, including education. New Zealand offers numerous scholarships to Thai students and is keen on expanding agricultural cooperation, particularly in exporting powdered milk to Thailand.
Furthermore, New Zealand is prioritizing efforts to tackle transnational organized crime, particularly scams affecting the region. Thailand is set to host an international ministerial meeting to address cybercrime, especially those involving scam gangs.
Mr. Sihasak also expressed gratitude for New Zealand's support in promoting Thailand's bid for membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, he noted that achieving OECD membership depends on Thailand's readiness to meet various obligations, including legal adjustments and adherence to OECD standards, with progress currently underway.