Thailand and Sweden have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, aimed at expanding comprehensive cooperation across multiple areas.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa met with his Swedish counterpart, Maria Stenergard, to discuss enhanced collaboration in key sectors including defence technology, innovation, startups, sustainable forestry, and the green transition.

They also addressed progress on the Thailand–European Union Free Trade Agreement, Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and a proposed Schengen visa waiver.

Officials agreed to resurrect the Thailand–Sweden Joint Plan of Action as a framework to guide and monitor cooperation across the agreed sectors.

The upgrade to strategic partnership marks Sweden as the second European nation, after the United Kingdom, to attain such an agreement with Thailand.

Separately, Sweden has committed to the sale of four Gripen E and F fighter jets to Thailand, including related equipment, support and training, under a defence cooperation agreement valued at approximately five point three billion Swedish crowns, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2030.