Official visit of Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Bern
Bern, 03.09.2013 - In response to President Ueli Maurer's invitation, the Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra will be visiting Switzerland on 10 September 2013. Talks that the prime minister will hold with three members of the Federal Council will focus on options to deepen bilateral relations.
During her visit to Bern, the Prime Minister of Thailand will be received by President Ueli Maurer, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Vice-President Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). The talks will provide the opportunity to underline the excellent relations between Switzerland and Thailand and to discuss a possible further consolidation of bilateral relations, in particular in relation to economic issues. Thailand is already Switzerland second largest trade partner in Southeast Asia and has significant economic potential.
Apart from economic issues, the talks will focus on current regional and international topics. The Asia-Pacific area is politically and economically the most dynamic region in the world. Thailand is one of the most important regional actors and is a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Switzerland and Thailand have enjoyed close relations for more than 80 years. Thailand is home to Asia's largest Swiss expatriate community and is a favourite destination for Swiss tourists.
Switzerland will be the first stop on Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra's trip through Europe, from where she will continue to Italy.
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