President Rouhani’s visit seeks to strengthen ties with newly emerging economies in the region and sat in a joint high-profile session with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to voice bilateral resolve to improve economic ties post-JCPOA; “Thialand would provide Iran with a bridge into broader East Asian markets; in return, Iran is an excellent corridor for Thailand through its many port cities and ample space in the Persian Gulf to host international trade ships, and with a north-south major route which leads to untapped Central Asian markets, apart from its own large consumer market,” Rouhani addressed Mr. Chan-o-cha.
Rouhani called however for more serious efforts to bring Tehran-Bangkok ties to organization and to increase trade levels; “oil and gas, fisheries, road and urban constructions, auto-making industries, and agriculture would provide venues for cooperation,” president said, hailing private sectors of both sides in broadening ties.
Mr. Prayut Chan-o-cha for his part shared Mr. Rouhani’s view that a new chapter in bilateral ties should be in the horizon; “Thailand has a strong will to improve ties, with six decades of diplomatic relations with Tehran as an honor for our country,” he told the joint session. “We welcome extending ties in all sectors with Iran and will encourage and patronize Thai companies’ involvement in Iranian trade and economic projects.”
Thai prime minister and Rouhani shared the view that terrorism posed a real threat to international peace and security; the former praised Iran’s influential role in fighting terrorism.
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