Thai-Russian trade, science pacts agreed

Thai-Russian trade, science pacts agreed

MOSCOW: Thai and Russian authorities have agreed to jointly boost trade ties and scientific cooperation.

The agreement was reached at a meeting in the 5th session of the Thai-Russian Joint Commission, during a three-day visit to Russia by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and accompanying businessmen and scientists. The trip ended yesterday.

Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Mr Surapong said the government wants to see more exchanges in the fields of energy and farm produce.

"We want G-to-G [government to government] trade between energy and farm products," Mr Surapong said.

Thailand views energy as a crucial part of its future development, particularly in its 2-trillion-baht infrastructure development plan, he said.

Russia, with its technological advancements in nuclear energy, can help Bangkok improve its energy security, the minister said.

Currently Thailand relies on gas bought from Myanmar and electricity from Laos. The country needs to start developing more energy sources, Mr Surapong said.

During the talks, the two sides expressed a wish to expand each other's markets.

Thailand is looking to sell more farm commodities and seafood, while Russia has sets its sights on tapping into the Thai market for arms and high-technology products.

The minister also visited the Russian Academy of Sciences and discussed joint scientific and technological projects which could benefit Thailand's national scientific development.

The two sides pledged cooperation in nanotechnology as well as medical and agricultural research.

Mr Surapong's group also met Yury Nikolaev, director of Komagorov School, also known as the Russian Advanced Scientific Centre, and met administrators of Moscow State University to observe Russian curriculums and teaching in the fields of mathematics and physics.

The foreign minister said Thailand would invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Thailand later this year.

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