Yingluck to be star guest in India

The Thailand-India Joint Commission (JC), which wrapped up its sixth meeting here yesterday, discussed preparations for Yingluck’s high-profile visit and the agreements to be signed during the visit, said Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Republic Day commemorates India’s constitution going into force on January 26, 1948.

Only one head of state or government of a foreign country is selected as the chief guest for the celebration each year.

The JC, co-chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries, is a platform to discuss mutual cooperation and relations. Its last meeting was held in Thailand in 2007.

Officials discussed ways to strengthen ties and boost cooperation for mutual benefit as well as connectivity of Asean and India via Thailand, Surapong said.

Both sides agreed to set up a joint working group to carry on the linkage of transportation by sea and land between Thailand and India via Burma, he said.

Yingluck is scheduled to arrive in India on January 24 to boost ties and cooperation before joining the celebration of Republic Day on January 26.

The pacts being prepared for signing during Yingluck’s visit include a protocol for framework agreement on free trade, action programmes for cooperation on science and technology and culture as well as a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation.

On the free trade scheme, the two countries would increase the number of items from 82 to 83 for “early harvest” by adding refrigerators.

The Thai-Indian free trade agreement has not yet been concluded and Surapong said his government tried to make it by the middle of next year.

On science and technology, the two countries would cooperate on satellites, in which India has expertise.

On security cooperation, both sides would cooperate on non-war security matters, including intelligence sharing and training.

The JC meeting also addressed other issues such as aviation rights, visa arrangements to facilitate visits of Buddhism monks, Thai pilgrims, businessmen and ordinary tourists to India as well as support for the restoration of Nalanda University, which is the ancient centre of higher education in Bihar, and the cerebration of the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, he said.

In an informal meeting with his India counterpart SM Krishna, Surapong said both sides agreed to restore the strategic partnership initiated by Thaksin Shinawatra’s government.

The strategic relationship would be announced when Yingluck visits India, he said.

India wants to develop good ties with Thailand as it regards the country as a regional hub, he said, adding that both countries have compatible policies as India is looking East while Thailand is now looking West.