H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 120^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Russian Federation on 3 July 2017 as follows:

         1. Congratulatory Message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

Excellency,

          I have the honour to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and, through Your Excellency, to the people of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 120^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia.

          Ever since the visit of His Majesty King Rama V to Russia in 1897, when the friendly bonds between our two countries were first forged, our ties have flourished in wide-ranging areas and have grown from strength to strength. Our close ties are best highlighted by the exchanges of high-level visit of our two sides in recent decades, most notably the President of Russia’s visit to Thailand in 2003, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s visit to Russia in 2007 and most recently the Prime Minister of Thailand’s visit last year.

          I am particularly pleased that our two leaders have decided to hold commemorative activities to mark this momentous occasion. It is my hope that these events will draw our two peoples closer by allowing them to gain a better understanding and knowledge of one another. In light of our longstanding and constructive partnership, the 120^th anniversary of our relations represents a major milestone, signifying a new chapter whereby our relations will become even closer and more comprehensive.

          Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                    Don Pramudwinai
                                                              Minister of Foreign Affairs
                                                             of the Kingdom of Thailand

          2. Congratulatory Message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Your Excellency,

               Please accept my cordial congratulations on the occasion of the 120^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand.

               Traditions of friendship and cooperation which took shape during this historically significant period of time lay a solid basis for further steady development of Russian-Thai contacts. Our bilateral political dialogue is intensive. Our trade, economic and humanitarian ties are consistently expanding. Our foreign ministries have established a close coordination on international and regional problems.

               I am confident that through mutual efforts we will be able to continue strengthening multi-dimensional Russian-Thai relations for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries, in the interests of stability and security in South East Asia and in the entire Asia Pacific region.

               I wish you and all the colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand good health and new success.

                                                                         Sergey Lavlov
                                                                Minister of Foreign Affairs
                                                                   of Russian Federation