On 1 May 2012, Mr. Luvsandoo Dashpurev, Mongolian Ambassador to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on the occasion of the former’s completion of tenure in Thailand. In this regard, Foreign Minister Surapong thanked the Ambassador for his role and dedication in helping to promote and strengthen Thai-Mongolian relations. The Foreign Minister underscored the need to strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries.
In terms of bilateral relations between Thailand and Mongolia, both sides expressed satisfaction with the good progress made thus far - in particular, the exchange of high-level visits, which included the royal visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn to Mongolia in 2009, the official visit to Thailand of the Mongolian Foreign Minister in 2010, as well as the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in 2011.
In terms of trade and investment, in recent years, Thai investors have taken a keen interest in investment in Mongolia in the areas of mining, hospitality, housing development, agro-industry and infrastructure. To note, since 2011, the Banpu Group has invested in a mining operation in Mongolia, whilst Amata Industrial Estate Group is also in the process of leading a caravan to various countries, including Mongolia, to promote Thai trade, investment and tourism. The said caravan group is expected to arrive in Mongolia in July 2012. In this connection, Foreign Minister Surapong sought the Mongolian side’s assistance to Thai businessmen, and viewed the necessity of increasing charter flights between the two countries.
In terms of development cooperation between Thailand and Mongolia, both sides have close cooperation in combating human trafficking, SME development, ICT cooperation and climate change. Furthermore, Thailand is also pleased that Mongolia will be sending personnels to learn about Thailand’s development experiences.
In terms of multilateral cooperation, both sides will continue to work closely in areas of mutual interest, which include nuclear non-proliferation, anti-human trafficking, food and energy security, promotion of human rights and democracy.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Surapong sought the Ambassador’s assistance in following-up Thailand’s invitation extended to the Mongolian Prime Minister to attend the upcoming World Economic Forum on East Asia, which Thailand will host from 30 May — 1 June 2012. The Ambassador also extended an invitation for Foreign Minister Surapong to visit Mongolia at the time of his convenience.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th