Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity.

A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda of understanding, are scheduled to take place between the Thai premier and the Bangladeshi PM. Moreover, PM Hasina is in for a treat as Srettha plays host, laying out a sumptuous luncheon in her honour at Government House, as per official sources.

This historic visit marks the first time a Bangladeshi prime minister has set foot on Thai soil since 2002, signalling a pivotal moment for bilateral relations. With free trade agreement negotiations underway, both nations are eager to explore avenues for bolstering cooperation across various sectors.

Expect discussions on development cooperation, enhanced connectivity, turbocharged tourism, and strengthened people-to-people ties to dominate the agenda.

In addition, PM Hasina is also slated to attend the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), with a bilateral tête-à-tête on the cards with UNESCAP’s Executive Secretary, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, reported Bangkok Post.

This isn’t the Bangladeshi leader’s first visit to Thailand, she graced Thailand’s shores back in 2013 for the second Asia-Pacific Water Summit.

In related news, Thailand and New Zealand vowed to embark on a historic Strategic Partnership journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie. PM Srettha rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier Christopher Luxon at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding.

In other news, Thailand and Cambodia consented to further dialogues concerning the mutual exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), located in the Gulf of Thailand, a territory claimed by both nations.