Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to depart Dhaka for Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday morning for a six-day official visit following an invitation from her Thai counterpart, Srettha Thavisin. The visit aims to bolster bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Thailand.

The premier and her delegation are scheduled to board a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10 am. Their arrival at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok is anticipated at 1:30 pm.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud outlined the significance of the visit during a press conference, emphasizing its bilateral and multilateral nature. This visit marks the first bilateral engagement for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since the formation of the current government in January.

During her stay, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Thavisin and participate in the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap).

Several cooperation agreements are expected to be signed between Bangladesh and Thailand, including negotiations for a free trade agreement, visa exemption for official passport holders, energy cooperation, and collaboration in the tourism and duty-related sectors.

Bangladesh will also seek support from Thailand, an ASEAN member, for its appeal to become a "Sectoral Dialogue Partner" of ASEAN and to address the Rohingya repatriation issue amid the political turmoil in Myanmar.

The visit will facilitate discussions on investment, tourism, energy, and connectivity, with an emphasis on leveraging the tourism sector's potential for economic growth and employment generation.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome from Prime Minister Thavisin and hold bilateral talks at the Government House, followed by a joint press conference and a state lunch in her honor. Additionally, she will have a royal audience with the King and Queen of Thailand.

In her multilateral engagement, the prime minister will attend the 80th session of Escap, focusing on leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

The session will serve as a platform for regional leaders and stakeholders to discuss inclusive digital innovation strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.