Bangkok--Mar 10--MFA
On 7 March 2008, Mr. Yevgeny Vladimirovich Afanasiev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, called on Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama to congratulate the latter on his recent appointment.
The Foreign Minister reciprocated the Ambassador’s good wishes and took the opportunity to also extend the Thai Government’s congratulations to Mr. Dimitry Medvedev in the recent Russian presidential election. Both sides discussed at length the state of their bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with the strengthening ties of friendship and co-operation between the two countries at all levels, as reflected by the successful State Visit to the Russian Federation last year by Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of His Majesty the King at the invitation of the Russian President.
Both the Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador also reiterated the determination of both governments to deepen and broaden their bilateral relations even further, particularly in the areas of security, trade and investment. They also discussed how to work together to promote Thailand as the region’s energy hub, as proposed by the Russian President. In this connection, the Foreign Minister asked the Ambassador to extend his invitation to the Russian Foreign Minister to visit Thailand during the latter half of this year, to discuss in further detail such areas of co-operation as well as to sign the Joint Plan of Action now being finalised. Both sides also looked forward to the convening of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Co-operation, which Thailand will also host.
The Foreign Minister also expressed the hope that other pending bilateral agreements could be finalized soon, which would truly facilitate closer economic linkages for the mutual benefit of both sides. As for the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation already signed, the Minister hoped that the Russian side would be able to ratify it soon so that it could enter into force. Both sides also welcomed the close co-operation between their private sectors, especially through their joint business council which was expected to sign a co-operation MOU in the near future.
At the people-to-people level, the Russian Ambassador noted that Thailand was an increasing favourite destination for Russian tourists, with over 300,000 visiting the Kingdom last year. He also informed the Minister that the City of Saint Petersburg has a sister-city agreement with Bangkok and was looking at the possibility of organizing a cultural festival here, which the Minister supported.
The Ambassador also expressed Russia’s wish to co-operate closely with Thailand on regional and international issues as well, particularly as both share similar positions on many subjects.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
On 7 March 2008, Mr. Yevgeny Vladimirovich Afanasiev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, called on Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama to congratulate the latter on his recent appointment.
The Foreign Minister reciprocated the Ambassador’s good wishes and took the opportunity to also extend the Thai Government’s congratulations to Mr. Dimitry Medvedev in the recent Russian presidential election. Both sides discussed at length the state of their bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with the strengthening ties of friendship and co-operation between the two countries at all levels, as reflected by the successful State Visit to the Russian Federation last year by Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of His Majesty the King at the invitation of the Russian President.
Both the Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador also reiterated the determination of both governments to deepen and broaden their bilateral relations even further, particularly in the areas of security, trade and investment. They also discussed how to work together to promote Thailand as the region’s energy hub, as proposed by the Russian President. In this connection, the Foreign Minister asked the Ambassador to extend his invitation to the Russian Foreign Minister to visit Thailand during the latter half of this year, to discuss in further detail such areas of co-operation as well as to sign the Joint Plan of Action now being finalised. Both sides also looked forward to the convening of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Co-operation, which Thailand will also host.
The Foreign Minister also expressed the hope that other pending bilateral agreements could be finalized soon, which would truly facilitate closer economic linkages for the mutual benefit of both sides. As for the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation already signed, the Minister hoped that the Russian side would be able to ratify it soon so that it could enter into force. Both sides also welcomed the close co-operation between their private sectors, especially through their joint business council which was expected to sign a co-operation MOU in the near future.
At the people-to-people level, the Russian Ambassador noted that Thailand was an increasing favourite destination for Russian tourists, with over 300,000 visiting the Kingdom last year. He also informed the Minister that the City of Saint Petersburg has a sister-city agreement with Bangkok and was looking at the possibility of organizing a cultural festival here, which the Minister supported.
The Ambassador also expressed Russia’s wish to co-operate closely with Thailand on regional and international issues as well, particularly as both share similar positions on many subjects.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-