Britain and Thailand are two nations on either side of our world. And yet, returning to Bangkok this week, I am struck by our many similarities.
Similarly large populations. Thriving capital cities. Royal dynasties dating back centuries.
Crucially, we are both nations with a similar outlook on the world. We live in an age in which new powers are rising, and uncertainty about the future feels dominant. Geopolitical tensions. Technological change. The global economy stuttering.
Against that backdrop, Britain and Thailand both recognise the gains for our security and prosperity from strong ties with one another.
Thailand sits in the new epicentre of global growth, with 60% of global shipping passing through the Indo-Pacific region. Britain is an innovative, highly skilled economy: we have four of the top 10 universities worldwide, the third most tech unicorns, and the most globally connected economy in the G20.
In a world facing a daunting set of challenges, Britain and Thailand have much to offer one another.
We do not start from scratch.
Next year marks the 170th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. More recently, as prime minister, I was proud to launch a ministerial strategic dialogue with Thailand.
There have been four formal meetings since then, driving forward cooperation in a wide range of sectors. Britain has also become Asean's first new Dialogue Partner in 25 years.
Almost 50,000 Brits have made Thailand their home. Britain is the most popular destination for Thais on English-speaking higher education courses abroad.
Consider just a couple of examples of what this work together means in practice.
In Britain, Thai investors PTTEP are backing the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm project, the largest offshore wind farm in Scotland.
Here in Thailand, British development experts helped catalyse the successful listing of Thai Credit Bank. This is the only licensed bank in Thailand focused on nano-finance, micro-finance and loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), absolutely vital for empowering those excluded from banking services.
My message, therefore, is simple. Britain and Thailand are investing smartly in one another. And there are other smart investments we can make together.
Look at bilateral trade and investment.
During my visit, I will sign a UK-Thailand Air Services Agreement. This will improve travel links between our two countries -- facilitating trade, tourism, and business investment. It will open up even closer cooperation and grow our economies. A smart investment.
Or take defence ties.
During my visit, I will see one of the Royal Thai Air Force's existing Gripen fighter jets. British firms supply up to 40% of the components of this Swedish-built jet, from the control stick to the escape system.
We need to build our defence capabilities with such state-of-the-art fighters. This will enable us to work together to tackle common threats and keep our citizens safe. That also seems a smart investment.
Or consider science and tech. Three years ago, Britain delivered almost half a million Covid vaccines to Thailand. Since then, researchers from the University of Sheffield and Chulalongkorn University have been working together to strengthen vaccine manufacturing in Southeast Asia.
Britain is now launching a £6 million (274.9 million baht) fund for research collaboration on sustainable transport, green finance and carbon pricing. Backing joint research which addresses global challenges is another smart investment.
Finally, there is upholding peace and stability.
Both British and Thai nationals tragically lost their lives in the brutal terrorist attacks of Oct 7 in Israel. Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We both want the fighting to stop now. Britain is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.
Both Britain and Thailand, too, want to see Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity respected. And neither Britain nor Thailand wish to see further violence against civilians in Myanmar, leaving whole communities displaced and causing instability in the region.
Here too, therefore, greater dialogue and cooperation, bilaterally and through our partnership with Asean, is a worthwhile investment.
Many of these opportunities are captured in our new Strategic Partnership Roadmap, which we will launch during my visit, committing us to unlocking the potential in our relationship.
I am looking forward on my visit to discovering the huge range of opportunities before us. And to ensuring we make the most of them.
David Cameron is the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom.