Bangkok--Apr 24--MFA
On 21 April 2008, on the sidelines of UNCTAD XII in Accra, Ghana, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama met with Mr. Kamal Nath, Indian Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Head of the Indian Delegation. The two ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including how to further promote closer economic ties between Thailand and India, as well as regional issues of common interest and concern, especially in view of Thailand role as the incoming ASEAN Chair this July.
Minister Nath began by congratulating Thailand upon its return to democracy and stressed India’s commitment to strengthening its close ties of friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom, both bilaterally and multilaterally, hoping that the Thai Prime Minister as well as Foreign Minister Noppadon would be able to visit India soon. Against the backdrop of the changing global architecture, there were opportunities for new synergies.
In the economic sphere, India would like to expand the Thai-Indian FTA so as to increase bilateral trade even further, while the Foreign Minister said that Thailand would also welcome increased investments from India. He noted that many Indian companies have already invested in the Kingdom and that others had expressed interest in entering Thailand’s steel industry.
The two ministers also noted that Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers. As flights between the two countries were operating at capacity, they also discussed the possibility of expanding flight linkages, taking advantage of the Open Sky Policy between them. The issue of how to facilitate the issuance of visas for Indian visitors was also discussed, with a view to increasing closer people-to-people linkages.
Also discussed was the on-going negotiations on the ASEAN-India FTA, the early conclusion of which would help promote trade between India and Southeast Asia as a whole. The two ministers also exchanged views on the rising price of commodities and food grains, including rice. As both Thailand and India were major rice exporting countries, they also discussed the possibility of promoting closer coordination and cooperation among rice exporting countries.
Regarding regional issues, both sides exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar. While noting that developments there were Myanmar’s own internal affairs, both sides would continue to support the country’s process of national reconciliation and democratization in the country, particularly through encouragement and persuasion.
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 21 April 2008, on the sidelines of UNCTAD XII in Accra, Ghana, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama met with Mr. Kamal Nath, Indian Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Head of the Indian Delegation. The two ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including how to further promote closer economic ties between Thailand and India, as well as regional issues of common interest and concern, especially in view of Thailand role as the incoming ASEAN Chair this July.
Minister Nath began by congratulating Thailand upon its return to democracy and stressed India’s commitment to strengthening its close ties of friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom, both bilaterally and multilaterally, hoping that the Thai Prime Minister as well as Foreign Minister Noppadon would be able to visit India soon. Against the backdrop of the changing global architecture, there were opportunities for new synergies.
In the economic sphere, India would like to expand the Thai-Indian FTA so as to increase bilateral trade even further, while the Foreign Minister said that Thailand would also welcome increased investments from India. He noted that many Indian companies have already invested in the Kingdom and that others had expressed interest in entering Thailand’s steel industry.
The two ministers also noted that Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers. As flights between the two countries were operating at capacity, they also discussed the possibility of expanding flight linkages, taking advantage of the Open Sky Policy between them. The issue of how to facilitate the issuance of visas for Indian visitors was also discussed, with a view to increasing closer people-to-people linkages.
Also discussed was the on-going negotiations on the ASEAN-India FTA, the early conclusion of which would help promote trade between India and Southeast Asia as a whole. The two ministers also exchanged views on the rising price of commodities and food grains, including rice. As both Thailand and India were major rice exporting countries, they also discussed the possibility of promoting closer coordination and cooperation among rice exporting countries.
Regarding regional issues, both sides exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar. While noting that developments there were Myanmar’s own internal affairs, both sides would continue to support the country’s process of national reconciliation and democratization in the country, particularly through encouragement and persuasion.
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-