Thailand and Italy have welcomed their close relations and discussed ways to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in conjunction with the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028.

On 20 October 2026, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, together with Ms. Jaithai Upakarnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information, held a meeting with Ms. Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director-General for Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy in Rome.

The discussions covered the promotion of trade, investment, and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including advanced industries, clean energy, agriculture, science, technology and innovation, workforce skills development, and security and defense. 

Both sides exchanged views on progress in the negotiations of agreement and memorandum of understanding in the fields of agriculture and defense, and potential development cooperation with African countries through Thailand’s Thailand–Africa Initiative and Italy’s Mattei Plan.

In addition, the two sides discussed Thailand–European Union relations, particularly negotiations of the Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), potential visa cooperation for Thai nationals, and Italy’s support for Thailand’s accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They also exchanged views on international developments and key regional issues, including the Thailand-Cambodia situation, Myanmar, and Russia-Ukraine war.

On this occasion, the Thai side conveyed an invitation from Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, for Mr. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to pay an official visit to Thailand.