On 20 October 2023, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, attended the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Riyadh, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to deepening relations with GCC Members, especially in economic cooperation, climate action and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister envisioned deeper ASEAN-GCC ties based on an innovative partnership for sustainable future. He proposed greater cooperation in trade and investment through negotiations of Thai-GCC and ASEAN-GCC FTAs and the establishment of the ASEAN-GCC Business Forum to strengthen ties between private sectors and promote food and energy security. He encouraged cooperation in sustainability and the Green Agenda through green finance and energy transition towards net-zero emission, and aimed also to promote stronger people ties through tourism, particularly health and wellness tourism, by pursuing a visa free scheme and open sky connectivity.
The Leaders exchanged views on international issues, particurly on the situation in the Middle East. In this regard, Prime Minister called on all parties to immediately end violences targeting civilians. He also called for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The Summit issued the Joint Statement of the Summit between ASEAN-GCC and welcomed the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation 2024-2028, to further strengthen ASEAN-GCC cooperation.