The GCC and Thailand sign an MoU to strengthen political and economic coordination, cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges, with plans for a joint action framework.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across areas of mutual interest. The agreement was signed in Bangkok, by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
The agreement aims to establish an institutional framework for dialogue, consultation and coordination between the GCC General Secretariat and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It reflects the two sides’ commitment to strengthening their partnership through closer engagement, knowledge exchange and the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation.
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Under the MoU, both parties will consult and coordinate on political and economic issues of mutual concern. The agreement also covers cultural cooperation and stronger people-to-people connections, creating opportunities to deepen engagement between the Gulf region and Thailand.
The framework allows both sides to expand cooperation into additional areas in the future. They also intend to develop a joint action plan to translate the agreement into practical initiatives and programmes. The plan is expected to help coordinate activities and support the implementation of shared priorities.
Albudaiwi described the agreement as an important step towards building an institutional partnership based on dialogue, mutual understanding and the exchange of expertise. He stressed the importance of building on the agreement to increase communication and coordination at different levels and advance shared interests.
The signing took place during the GCC Secretary-General’s visit to Bangkok for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. The occasion also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss broader prospects for cooperation and regional and international developments.
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Thailand considers the GCC an important partner in the Middle East and seeks to strengthen engagement with the council while continuing to develop bilateral relations with its six member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The MoU establishes a framework for closer institutional cooperation, although specific projects, funding commitments and implementation timelines have not yet been detailed in the official announcements.