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Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou discussed the development of political and trade and economic ties between the two countries with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The meeting took place in New Delhi on September 12 ahead of the BRICS summit, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry press service reported.
The sides agreed to hold the next round of inter-ministerial political consultations in Thailand and the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Minsk. They also discussed expanding Belarus’ diplomatic presence in Thailand.
Belarus and Thailand agreed to support each other’s interests at the EAEU and ASEAN platforms and discussed areas of cooperation within BRICS.
Speaking about trade, the sides noted the complementarity of their economies. Belarus expects to supply food and agricultural products to Thailand, while Thailand could export seafood and exotic fruits to Belarus, as well as invest in the hotel business and retail trade.
According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, more than 20,000 Belarusian tourists visited Thailand over the past six months. Starting October 28, Belavia plans to launch a direct Minsk-Bangkok flight.
“The conclusion of agreements on mutual visa exemption and air services, which the sides have agreed to complete work on in the near future, is also intended to facilitate travel between the two countries,” the ministry said.
Ryzhankou invited his Thai counterpart to visit Minsk, and the invitation was accepted.
During his visit to India, Ryzhankou also met with representatives of Indian business and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, contacts were held with representatives of BRICS member and partner countries.
In particular, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed appreciation for the development of relations with Belarus and conveyed their best wishes to Aliaksandr Lukashenka, the press release said.
Meetings with the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Brazil, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uganda and Uruguay focused on lifting visa restrictions, the work of bilateral trade and economic commissions, inter-ministerial consultations and cooperation at international platforms.
Ryzhankou also met with New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff and confirmed Belarus’ intention to complete the process of joining the bank.
On the sidelines of the summit, the minister gave an interview to the Indian business publication The Economic Times.