Bahrain, Thailand to forge ahead cooperation in all areas

BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) - Bahrain and Thailand have agreed to further develop existing bilateral cooperation in all spheres, while also exploring new areas of cooperation with mutual interests in the future. The agreement, marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Thailand in 2017, was reached at a plenary meeting between the Bahraini and the Thai government, led by Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his visiting Thai counterpart General Prayut Chan-ocha in Manama, Bahrain's capital, on April 25. The Thai prime minister also expressed his sincere appreciation on behalf of the visiting Thai delegation and the Thai government to his Bahraini counterpart for a warm welcome during he and his team's official visit to Bahrain from April 24 to 26. The Thai leader praised Bahrain as well for being a true and important friend of Thailand, noting that his trip to Bahrain, the first country in the Middle East, should underline the significant friendship and alliance between Manama and Bangkok. The Thai premier also expressed his profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and his Bahraini counterpart for sending their letters of condolences for the passing of late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016 and for the succession to the throne of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, as well as for the Bahraini prime minister's visit to Thailand to personally pay his respect to the late and revered Thai King. Besides, the Thai leader thanked Bahrain for supporting the political development in Thailand and pledged to render similar support to Bahrain reciprocally. The Thai prime minister also expressed his hope that two-way trade and investment between Bahrain and Thailand should further expand through a reduction in existing barriers, voicing Thailand's readiness as well to expand cooperation with Bahrain in the tourism sector, particularly healthcare tourism that Thailand has gained expertise. (TNA)