The EU and Thailand’s chief negotiators formally closed negotiations for a Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation on Monday 5 September. These were opened in 2004 and a final text was agreed earlier this year (see EUROPE 13008/6). According to the spokesman of the European External Action Service, Peter Stano, some internal procedures still need to take place before the agreement is officially signed and enters into force.
The EU is seeking to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and to build closer ties with the countries in this region. Discussions started in 2013 on a trade agreement with Thailand, but they are on hold.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement covers the environment, energy, transport, technology, employment, human rights and the fight against terrorism (see EUROPE 13008/6). (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)