Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to Thailand, stating that it will pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. This visit marks a milestone as the first by a Bangladeshi Prime Minister since diplomatic relations were established in 1972.
During the visit, an agreement along with three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a letter of intent will be signed, covering areas such as visa waivers for official passport holders, energy cooperation, tourism, customs, and discussions on a Free Trade Agreement.
Prime Minister Hasina will embark on her trip to Thailand on Wednesday and is scheduled to return on April 29. Her itinerary includes participation in a UN meeting in Bangkok followed by official engagements with her Thai counterpart, including a bilateral meeting at the Government House of Thailand.
The visit holds promise for collaboration in various sectors, particularly tourism, where joint efforts and expertise exchange could lead to significant economic growth and employment opportunities in both countries.
Additionally, visa exemptions for official passport holders will facilitate efficient communication between government officials and enable timely participation in meetings, seminars, and training sessions.
Thailand's pivotal role in the ASEAN region will be emphasized during the visit, with Bangladesh advocating to become a "Sectoral Dialogue Partner" of ASEAN. Prime Minister Hasina will also address the Rohingya crisis and seek effective measures from ASEAN countries to resolve it.
During her stay, Prime Minister Hasina will have a Royal audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan. A state lunch hosted by her Thai counterpart is also on the agenda.
Accompanying Prime Minister Hasina on the visit will be Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, and other officials.
Before the official visit, Prime Minister Hasina will participate in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) meeting, focusing on leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
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