The Prime Minister mentioned the result of her discussion with Mrs. Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of Germany which contains points that two countries can extend benefit in the following fields namely; first, Thailand-European Union FTA negotiation which serves as a main mechanism to enhance trade and investment between two countries; second, technical cooperation, especially dual system and vocational system which Germany is renowned and has expertise in; third, technological exchange cooperation in which Germany is specialized; in this regard, Thailand would like to exchange technology for the country’s development; forth, cooperation on import agricultural products’ quality standard which Germany provides experts for Thailand so that the products reach European standard and prevents the products from being rejected. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany agreed with the Prime Minister and pledged to implement the aforementioned cooperation. Minister of Economics of Germany is scheduled to visit Thailand in September. There will be a further discussion about the framework.

In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany inquired about the relations between Thailand-Cambodia, and Thailand-Myanmar. The Prime Minister replied by emphasizing on strong relations. Concerning Cambodian case, it is clear that trade along the borderlines is progressive; nationals of the two countries are free and safe to visit one another. Troops redeployment around Preah Vihear temple also marks improvement of relations between two countries. Concerning the case of Myanmar, Thailand closely cooperates with Myanmar and supports democratic process in the country. Thailand also views that The European Union should eliminate sanctions against Myanmar in order to empower economic and political situation in the country.

After the discussion at 08.15, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister chaired a seminar on professional business management held at Adlon Kempinski. She boosted confidence among seminar attendants that Thai economic growth is stable, and the number of German tourists is increasing. Moreover, the government is investing in infrastructure development in order to stimulate economy in general.

Then at 09.00, the Prime Minister visited Thai community in Berlin at the Royal Thai Embassy, Berlin.

In this opportunity, the Prime Minister allowed 40 members of Thai community in Berlin to paid a courtesy call and express their condition of lives. This community is the second largest Thai community abroad after Thai community in the US, comprising 57,078 people. Most of them are Thai women who get married with German nationals and thus get citizenship. The main problems for members of Thai community in Berlin include problems on language, culture, and family.

In this opportunity, the Prime Minister commended Thai community in Berlin for its strength as founded by the affiliation of 17 associations aiming at supporting Thai nations and serving as a network for Thai nations in Europe. Moreover, Thai community in Berlin also serves as an intermediary to promote good image of Thailand. The Prime Minister also directed the Royal Thai Embassy, Berlin and Consulate General, Frankfurt to take good care of Thai nationals in a just and continuous manner, as well as to provide training courses on skills improvement for Thai people in Germany. Cultural activities are also significant to those people in the way that they become united and proud of Thainess. In this regard, fame and good image of Thailand will be renowned among German nationals.

The Prime Minister also expressed her appreciation to Thai community for its donation worth 600,000 Baht and relief assistance to flood victims during the flood last year. This reflects unity among Thai people who have never abandoned their motherland.

After finishing her mission in Munich at 10.00 (local time), the Prime Minister and the delegation are scheduled to leave for Munich, Bavaria state taking an hour and 15 minutes in order to meet Thai community in Bavaria. Then, the Prime Minister and her delegation will depart from Munich airport by Thai Airways heading to Paris.