MOSCOW, March 29 — Thailand and Russia mutually agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and foster closer cooperation between the two countries, targeting to double the annual trade volume to US$10 billion in 2016.
Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, on official visit to Russia March 27-29, met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and discussed a wide range of issues in Thai-Russian bilateral relations.
During the meeting, according to a statement released by the Thai foreign ministry, Mr Surapong proposed an ambitious target to double the annual trade volume between the two countries from US$5 billion in 2012 to US$10 billion in 2016.
He encouraged Russia to import more Thai goods, in particular agricultural products such as rice, rubber, canned fruits, frozen seafood, and frozen/processed chicken.
He also invited Russia to participate in Thailand’s infrastructure projects to enhance domestic and regional connectivity to prepare for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
On cooperation in science and technology, Mr Surapong urged relevant agencies to exchange their experts in research and conduct joint scientific projects, especially in the fields of nanotechnology and medical science.
The Thai minister also asked Russia to expedite the negotiation process of the pending bilateral agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Sphere of Energy which will enhance Russia’s role in promoting energy security in Thailand and the region, and a draft Protocol to Amend the Bilateral Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments which will help facilitate and encourage two-way investment.
These agreements could be signed during high-level visits, especially during Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s official visit to Russia in mid-2013.
Mr Surapong sought Russian support for Thailand’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2017-2018. He also reiterated Ms Yingluck’s invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to officially visit Thailand before or after the APEC Summit in Bali, Indonesia, at the end of this year.
After the conclusion of their discussion, the signed the Plan of Consultation between the Thai foreign ministry and the Russian foreign ministry for the years 2013-2015.
Mr Surapong’s visit to Moscow marked the first visit to Russia by a Thai foreign minister in eight years. This visit aimed at reviving high-level exchanges and preparing for Ms Yingluck’s visit to Russia later this year, which would be an opportune time to upgrade the Thai-Russian relations to a strategic partnership.
