Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a warm welcome upon her arrival in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon for a six-day official visit to Thailand, hosted by her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin.

Upon landing at Don Mueang International Airport at 1:08pm local time, the premier was greeted by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. She was honored with a static guard of honor and a 19-round gun salute, complemented by a red carpet reception.

Among the dignitaries present at the airport were Thailand Minister-in-Attendance Puangpet Chunlaiad, Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor, and Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye.

PM Hasina's journey commenced earlier from Dhaka via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 10:13am, marking a significant bilateral and multilateral visit.

This bilateral visit marks the first-ever trip by a head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.

During her stay from April 24 to 29, PM Hasina is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks with PM Thavisin and participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Key areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand are expected to be formalized through the signing of several documents, including a letter of intent for free trade agreement negotiations and agreements on visa exemption for official passport holders, energy cooperation, tourism sector collaboration, and duty-related mutual cooperation.

The visit will also address important matters such as Rohingya repatriation and enhanced investment from Thailand, with discussions on shipping connectivity as well.

Formal ceremonies, bilateral discussions, document signings, joint press conferences, and state lunches are on the agenda during PM Hasina's visit, culminating in a royal audience with Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, the King and Queen of Thailand.

Participation in the 80th Session of ESCAP will provide a platform for PM Hasina to advocate for leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.