Thai PM arrives in Mozambique for official visit

BANGKOK, July 29 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has arrived in Maputo, the capital of the Republic of Mozambique, kicking off her official visit to the Eastern African region from July 28-August 2, 2013. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Surasawadi, Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong, Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk and some 60 Thai business persons, Yingluck arrived in Maputo on Sunday (local time). It is the first official visit to Mozambique by a Thai government leader since Bangkok and Maputo established their diplomatic relations in 1989. After her arrival in Maputo, the Thai prime minister visited a handicraft, flowers and food fair in Maputo and led the Thai business operators from various sectors, including energy, construction, tourism, garment, jewelery and automobiles and parts, for a discussion with relevant parties in Mozambique. During her visit to Mozambique, the Thai prime minister is also scheduled to meet with Mozambique President Armando Guebuza and witness the signing of six bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the two countries. The Thai premier’s trip to Mozambique is part of her ongoing official tour in East African, which will also take her to Tanzania and Uganda, aimed at exploring Thailand new investment opportunities, as the three Eastern African nations have experienced rapid growth rates and have plenty of natural resources, including natural gas, minerals and aquatic animals, which can supply Thailand, with Mozambique, in particular, having been ranked among the world's top ten economies with highest growth rates over the past decade. (TNA)