Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand affirmed Thailand’s readiness for the upcoming BIMSTEC chairmanship in 2021 and welcomed increasing cooperation between Thailand and India, especially in the areas of medical and pharmaceutical research, trade, connectivity, consular affairs as well as cooperation in the regional and multilateral frameworks during a courtesy call with the Ambassador of the Republic of India.

On 16 November 2020, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, welcomed H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of the Republic of India, during a courtesy call on the occasion of the former’s assumption of duty. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the cordial relations and increasing cooperation between Thailand and India in various dimensions, especially in the areas of medical and pharmaceutical research, trade, connectivity, consular affairs as well as cooperation in the regional and multilateral frameworks. The Permanent Secretary expressed solidarity with India in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and suggested that the two countries work closely together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as agreed by prime ministers of both sides over the telephone conversation on 1 May 2020. He also emphasised that Thailand is committed to uplifting economic cooperation and expanding trade volume between both countries.

The Permanent Secretary expressed appreciation for India’s announcement to contribute 1 million USD to the “COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund” at the 17th ASEAN-India Summit on 12 November 2020. He also affirmed Thailand’s readiness for the upcoming BIMSTEC chairmanship during 2021 – 2022 as well as intention to work closely with India and other BIMSTEC member states for the region’s common benefits, particularly on promoting connectivity, disaster management and maritime cooperation.