Russian FM visits Thailand

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is paying an official visit to Thailand to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries. His visit is one of the important events commemorating the 120th anniversary of Thai-Russian diplomatic relations this year. Lavrov had a bilateral meeting with his Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai. Both sides had a fruitful discussion on important issues of mutual interests, such as increasing bilateral trade by fivefold by 2020 from USD 2 billion to USD 10 billion. They also discussed cooperation in agriculture, environment, economy and cyber security. Russia proposed Thailand to be the leader in the establishment of the cyber security center in ASEAN. Russian foreign minister said more Russian businesspeople were interested to invest in Thailand and in terms of tourism, most Russian tourists travelled to Thailand. In the first five months of this year, the number of Russian tourists increased by 37 per cent year-on-year. Thai foreign minister said Russia played many roles in cooperation with Thailand and other Asean members such as in narcotic suppression and anti-terrorism. The Russian foreign minister also paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and later signed the book of condolences in remembrance of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace. (TNA)