On 11 April 2019, H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existing cordial relations between the two countries, which have been established for more than 120 years and now continues to expand in every aspect, including trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people cooperation. In addition, both sides also welcomed regular high-level visits and meetings between their relevant agencies.

 

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister and the Ambassador agreed to drive forward the projects and activities which were discussed by their leaders in order to achieve concrete results by the end of this year. Such projects and activities include the meetings of various joint working groups, the organising of the 2nd Thai – Russian Business Forum as well as the Forum on Digital Cooperation, among others. Both sides also agreed to expedite pending agreements, especially those on science and technology cooperation, in which Russia has expertise.

 

Both sides exchanged views on regional cooperation, particularly on ASEAN and the Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). The Deputy Minister emphasised Thailand’s priority as the ASEAN Chairman of 2019, to enhance connectivity both within and beyond the region. Thailand also expressed readiness to work closely with Russia in order to push forward regional issues of common interest.