Thai PM meets Pranab Mukherjee

Visiting Thailand Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today.

New Delhi, June 26 : Visiting Thailand Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today.

Earlier today, Chulanont was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Chulanont arrived here on a three-day visit on Monday. His visit coincides with the 60th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Chulanont said: "This is an auspicious occasion for the 60th anniversary of the relationship between two countries. We will strengthen our bilateral and regional cooperation between South Asia and ASEAN, which will enhance and enlarge our cooperation in the future".

India and Thailand are expected to sign two agreements on enhanced cooperation in the field of renewable energy and on a cultural exchange programme during the Thai Prime Minister's visit.

Chulanont is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on ways to intensify trade and economic ties between the two countries.

The visiting dignitary will also call on President A P J Abdul Kalam later today.

Chulanont is accompanied by his Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet and Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for New and Renewable Energy, Vilas Muttemwar and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L K Advani are expected to meet him during his stay here.

Trade between India and Thailand has touched two billion dollars in the first eight months of the financial year 2006-07, indicating strong growth in bilateral trade relations.

The Thai Prime Minister will be visiting holy cities of Varanasi, Sarnath and Kolkata during his visit.

ANI