On August 19, 2024, H.E. Mrs. Rukhsana Afzaal, Ambassador - Designate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, on the assumption of her duty.

           The Director-General congratulated the Ambassador - Designate on her new appointment. The Ambassador - Designate discussed the long history of Thai- Pakistani relations, notably the Royal visits by the Thai Royal Family which highlight the close ties. Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen the relations between Thailand and Pakistan, especially the exchange of high level visits and revival of key consultative mechanisms. The importance of the ongoing Thailand-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement negotiations was emphasised, as well as the need to expedite the conclusion. The Ambassador - Designate expressed keen interest in Thailand's expertise in halal food production, innovative packaging technologies, and tourism industry practices.

           Thailand and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 10 October 1951, and have enjoyed robust relations with ongoing collaboration across various areas including political, economic, social, and cultural areas. Cultural and educational exchanges further strengthen the relationship between our peoples, with hundreds of Thai Muslim students pursuing religious studies at Pakistani universities, and Thai Buddhist pilgrims also visiting the important ancient Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan.

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