Opinions & Interviews
Pornpetch Wichitcholchai: Exchange of visits will boost Belarus-Thailand all-round cooperation
VITEBSK, 27 June (BelTA) – An exchange of visits between parliamentary delegations of Belarus and Thailand will contribute to the development of all-round cooperation between the countries, Chairman of the National Legislative Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand Pornpetch Wichitcholchai told media in Vitebsk after the meeting between Thailand’s official parliamentary delegation and the authorities of Vitebsk and Vitebsk Oblast, BelTA has learned.
Pornpetch Wichitcholchai has noted that the reason behind the visit of Thailand’s MPs to Belarus is the intention of the two countries to develop cooperation in the policy, economy, investment and human contacts. “Our countries are far from each other. Communication is also limited. There are no direct flights between Belarus and Thailand which impedes the development of contacts. We are doing our best to improve the situation since Thais would like to learn more about Belarus. I think Belarusians would be happy to learn things about Thailand too. An exchange of visits will be a good basis for strengthening relations and establishing cooperation,” said Pornpetch Wichitcholchai.
The foreign guest shared his first impressions of Vitebsk and took note of hospitality, kindness and diligence of Belarusians. “I am happy to visit your wonderful city on the invitation of the governor. Your city has a rich history and impresses with its beauty,” the head of the delegation said.
The official Belarusian delegation including Vitebsk Oblast Governor Nikolai Sherstnev paid a visit to Thailand in March 2016. Then the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee signed a memorandum of understanding to develop cooperation with Ayutthaya Province of the Kingdom of Thailand in economic, social and cultural areas.
Thailand’s parliamentary delegation is in Belarus on a visit on 25-29 June. On 26 June the guests laid flowers to the monument on Victory Square in Vitebsk to mark the anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War. The parliamentary delegation was also taken on a tour around the city and a visit to Vitebsk’s distillery Pridvinye, with which there plans to establish cooperation.
According to the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, in January-April 2016 the trade between the region and Thailand totaled $370,100, up 12% from the same period last year. Over the period exports made up $126,600, 2.8 times up from January-April 2015. The main suppliers to the market of Thailand are Polotsk Steklovolokno and Orsha Flax Factory.
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