Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a total of five bilateral documents on visa exemption, energy cooperation, tourism and customs and trade.
An agreement, three Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) were signed in the presence of the two leaders following a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Thailand Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Government House, Thai Prime Minister’s Office in Bangkok.
Apart from this, the two leaders also discussed the Myanmar border situation.
According to the official news agency BASS, two MoUs on energy cooperation and tourism cooperation were signed by the Foreign Minister on behalf of Bangladesh. Hasan Mahmud, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on behalf of Bangladesh in visa waiver agreement, LoI document was signed by Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu and another MoU related to mutual assistance in customs matters was signed by National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Munim.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on the signing of the bilateral document at a joint press conference that the two sides have agreed to start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2024 and the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in this regard.
He said the two countries have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials.
The Prime Minister said that a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation has been signed to explore the possibilities of cooperation in the energy sector. He also said that MoUs were signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters to benefit from Thai knowledge and experience, and MoUs were signed in the field of tourism to benefit from best tourism practices.
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) issue was of particular importance in the bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers. The two countries have signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ to finalize a free trade agreement within the next one year.
The FTA or Free Trade Agreement aims to increase trade between the two countries by two billion dollars.
At a joint press conference, the Thai Prime Minister said Thailand and Bangladesh are committed to working together for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He expressed hope that the letter of intent would help speed up the negotiation process.
Besides, it is said to increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture, halal food and food processing. On social media X, Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin wrote, I requested Bangladesh to import more halal food from Thailand.
He said the visa waiver agreement for official passport holders will facilitate more exchange visits between Thai and Bangladeshi officials. The MoU on energy cooperation will help realize the true potential of the two countries.
Dr. Chiangmai University researcher. Isa Garthy believes that Thailand will benefit from these bilateral agreements. “These agreements will benefit Thailand in many ways. In particular, the economy, trade and investment will expand the area of cooperation. These agreements will act as influencers in the development of multi-dimensional relations.” said Dr. Jesus
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Chai Wacharong, said that the Prime Ministers of the two countries expressed their concern about the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
The Thai Prime Minister expressed his willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees. Chai said, Thailand will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims.
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that Bangladesh and Thailand have expressed interest in working together on the Rohingya issue.
“Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Thai Prime Minister Shretha Thavisin have expressed interest in working together to resolve the Rohingya crisis,” he said at a press conference in Bangkok after the bilateral meeting between the Bangladesh and Thai Prime Ministers.
After a private meeting held between the two leaders at the Government House in the capital of Thailand on Friday afternoon, the Foreign Minister said in a press briefing. Hasan Mahmud gave this information.
Dr. Hasan said that the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Thailand’s Prime Minister Shretha Thavisin was held in a very sincere atmosphere. First they spoke privately, then bilateral meetings were held between the two countries. In the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed in detail many issues including the Rohingya problem.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Thailand on a six-day official visit last Wednesday (April 24) at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin.
