PM is determined to increase trade, investment with Russia

BANGKOK, May 19 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed his government was determined to expand trade and investment with Russia. He also thanked Russia for understanding situations in Thailand and never interfering with Thailand's internal issues. Gen Prayut expressed his economic expansion intention with Russia during his official trip to the country on May 17-19. He said that as conflicts and disasters were growing in the world, countries had to help and strengthen one another. The prime minister expressed gratitude to Russia for its understanding and support for Thailand. He said that his government took power for national reform and was ready to let Russia support it. "For trade and investment with Russia, I would like to see highways opened by land, water and air so that they can be accelerated. Thailand is highly aware of the importance of Russia. It is my first overseas trip in which I bring along as many as eight ministers. Earlier I sent two deputy prime ministers here," the prime minister said. He hoped Russia would invest in tourism and automatic factories in Thailand for the sake of technology transfer. The private sector of Russia could use Thailand as their production base and gateway to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, Gen Prayut said. (TNA)