Russia, Thailand sign cooperation pacts
Thailand and Russia on Wednesday signed five agreements aimed at boosting cooperation as part of the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Medvedev, who arrived in Bangkok last night, started his oneday official visit today.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha received his Russian counterpart at the Government House. The inspection of troops by both premiers was moved to inside the Government House because of rain. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and tourism.
Medvedev's twoday visit follows criticism from some Western countries and the United Nations of sweeping security powers granted to the military last week after martial law was lifted in most areas.
Both leaders witnessed signings of memorandums of understanding on increasing cooperation on energy, investment, suppressing drug crime, tourism and culture.
A Thai government spokesman said Thailand drew 1.6 million Russian tourists in 2014, down 8.6 per cent over the previous years. Talks aimed at enticing Russian visitors to Thailand despite the Russian currency’s depreciation are high on the agenda.
Medvedev’s visit, the first by a Russian prime minister in 25 years, will also include stops at Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
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