Fiji, Thailand agree on multi-cooperation

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) - Fiji and Thailand have agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment, as well as technical cooperation on further developing both sides' tourism, alternative energy and fishery sectors. The agreed cooperation was announced at a joint press conference between visiting Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and his Thai counterpart General Prayut Chan-ocha at Bangkok's Government House on Monday, following their bilateral talks. At the joint press conference, the Thai prime minister, again, extended his warm welcome to his Fijian counterpart, saying that his ongoing trip to Thailand further strengthens bilateral relations between the two long-standing allied nations since December 1972. The Thai prime minister stressed that Fiji has become one of Thailand's closest allied countries among the Pacific Island nations, and that, from now on, both countries' relations will become closer in all dimensions, namely trade, investment and tourism. Besides, Fiji supports Thailand’s move to seek a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) during 2017-2018. Thailand's exports to Fiji include automobile and parts, plastic pellets, canned seafood, cosmetics and skincare products; while Fiji’s shipments to Thailand include fresh and frozen seafood. During his stay in Thailand, the visiting Fijian prime minister also attends the 71st Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), held in Bangkok from May 25-29. The Fijian prime minister is also scheduled to take part in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), hosted by Thailand from May 30-31. Fiji and Thailand have been dialogue partners within the Thailand-Pacific Island Countries Forum (TPIF) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) since 2004. (TNA)