UAE And Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Relations Through Inaugural Consular Consultations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted the first consular consultations between the UAE and Thailand in Abu Dhabi. Faisal Eissa Lutfi, Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs, led the UAE team, while Mongkol Pratumkaew, Director-General of Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs, headed the Thai delegation.

Faisal Eissa Lutfi opened the meeting by conveying greetings from H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He expressed hopes for successful consultations and highlighted the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Thailand. This relationship is built on mutual respect and a commitment to cooperation in various fields.

Lutfi emphasised that these consultations are crucial for aligning joint efforts and exchanging expertise. The aim is to enhance cooperation, ensuring consular services are efficient and of high quality. This aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision of promoting sustainable development and improving well-being for both nations.

Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in consular affairs. Key areas included improving service delivery for citizens and residents in both countries, covering consular transactions, travel procedures, and safeguarding individuals' welfare abroad.

The partnership between the UAE and Thailand also thrives on strong people-to-people connections. Thailand remains a popular destination for Emirati travellers. Meanwhile, the Thai community in the UAE significantly contributes across various sectors, fostering cultural and human exchange between both countries.

Lutfi reiterated that these discussions provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation further. By focusing on efficient consular services, both nations can ensure their citizens receive responsive support when needed.

The Ministry is committed to strengthening bilateral ties according to the UAE leadership's vision. This involves promoting sustainable development, enhancing well-being, and advancing mutual interests between these friendly nations.

The meeting underscored how important it is to reinforce bilateral cooperation in consular affairs. Both delegations explored mechanisms to improve service delivery for citizens residing or travelling abroad.

The consultations highlighted that people-to-people ties form a cornerstone of the UAE–Thailand partnership. The Thai community's role in various sectors within the UAE serves as a bridge for cultural exchange between these two nations.

With inputs from WAM