Pakistan‚ Thailand Sign Three Accords On Expansion Of Ties

Islamabad, Aug 21, IRNA - Pakistan and Thailand on Wednesday signed three agreements to boost cooperation in economic and diplomatic fields, officials said. The signing ceremony was attended by the visiting Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra and her Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif. The agreement pertained to exemption of visa for diplomatic staff of the two countries while the MoUs were on establishment of Joint Business Council and Joint Trade Company. Later speaking at a joint press conference the two PMs said Pakistan and Thailand have agreed to further consolidate and expand their partnership in different fields and enhance cooperation in regional and multilateral framework. The Thai PM said the two countries want to conclude free trade agreement for their mutual benefit. She expressed the desire to forge cooperation in fighting the menace of terrorism, adding the two sides can promote cooperation in the field of security and defense through joint exercises and training. Earlier both sides held official talks and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in economy‚ trade and tourism. Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan desires to comprehensively upgrade its relationship with Thailand in all areas of cooperation. He said during their talks the two countries had comprehensive discussion on a wide range of issues and there was convergence of views on important bilateral and international issues. The two sides discussed ways and means to building a strong economic partnership. They noted that bilateral trade crossed one billion dollars in 2011 and have agreed to double it over the next five years. Pakistan has invited Thai businessmen to invest in Pakistan in various sectors./end