Pakistan, Thailand sign three accords to boost ties

Pakistan and Thailand Tuesday signed an agreement pertaining to exemption of visa for diplomatic staff of their countries besides two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in economic and diplomatic fields.

The MoUs are related to establishment of Joint Business Council and Joint Trade Committee, Xinhua reported. The signing was done in the presence of visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif here.

Pakistan and Thailand have agreed to further consolidate and expand their partnership in different fields and enhance cooperation in regional and multilateral framework, the two prime ministers said later during a joint press conference.

Stating that the two countries want to conclude free trade agreement for their mutual benefit, the Thai prime minister also expressed willingness to forge cooperation with Pakistan in fighting the menace of terrorism.

She said Pakistan and Thailand could promote cooperation in the field of security and defence through joint exercises and training.

While the Pakistani prime minister said his country desires to comprehensively upgrade its relationship with Thailand in all areas of cooperation.

Sharif said their talks covered significant areas including collaboration in the fields of trade, culture, infrastructure development, science and technology, defence, education and tourism.

While discussing ways and means to build a strong economic partnership, both sides noted that their bilateral trade crossed $1 billion in 2011 and they agreed to double it over the next five years.