H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs will join the Thai delegation led by H.E. General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Prime Minister to pay a visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of H.E Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister of Russia during 17 – 19 May 2016 and attend the ASEAN – Russia Commemorative Summit during 19 – 20 May 2016 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. The Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Russia in St. Petersburg on 18 May 2016 and pay a courtesy call on the President of Russia on 19 May 2016 respectively.

This visit will provide a good opportunity for Thailand and Russia in shaping ways and means to enhance their relations which will celebrate their 120^th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017. The two sides aim not only to promote the new dimension of cooperation in comprehensive aspects including politics, security, economy, education and science and technology but also to discuss plans to establish the Thailand – Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Area to increase trade and investment volume. Furthermore, the two sides will discuss and exchange perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

After the meeting, the two prime ministers will witness the signing ceremony of agreements comprising Thailand and Russia cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, fishery and the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Moreover, the Prime Minister will deliver the opening remarks at “Thailand – Russian Business Dialogue”, where the Thai side will have an opportunity to showcase and the capability of Thai economy to Russian business sectors. Thai business delegation includes leading companies from energy, food, technology and communication, electronic, plastic, jewelry and retail trade sectors.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will also attend “the ASEAN – Russia Commemorative Summit” on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the ASEAN – Russia relations during 19 -20 May 2016 in Sochi, Russia.  The objective of this Summit is to explore ways to enhance cooperation in fields of political-security, economy and socio-cultural aspects, for the mutual benefit of ASEAN and Russia. In this regard, the Prime Minister and the other 9 ASEAN leaders will have a meeting with the Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

In addition, Russia will arrange the side events including Russia – ASEAN Business Forum, ASEAN-Russia Cultural Minister Meeting and the ASEAN-Russia Art and Cultural Festival.

During the summit, the Foreign Minister will have a bilateral meeting with H.E. Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia who will co-chair the 7^th Thailand – Russia Joint Commission meeting which will be later held in Thailand.