An agreement, three memoranda of understanding and a letter of intent have been signed between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave this information in a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin at the Thai Prime Minister’s Office Government House on Friday (April 26).

At this time, Sheikh Hasina said, our friendship is deeply rooted in historical, linguistic and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are steadily growing in many areas of cooperation.

In the bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues in detail. The Prime Minister said, We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia.

Sheikh Hasina said, I have assured the Thai Prime Minister to take necessary measures to facilitate investment and business in Bangladesh. I have proposed to the Thai side to take advantage of Thailand’s investment in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks, and especially a SEZ.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to Thailand on a six-day official visit last Wednesday (April 24) at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin.

The two sides have agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by 2024, he said, adding that the two countries’ trade ministers have signed a letter of interest in this regard.

Dhaka and Bangkok have signed an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders to facilitate easy communication between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, he said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Thailand is a potential partner engaged in energy cooperation for Bangladesh. To explore the possibility of energy cooperation, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation is the second document signed here.

Referring to the signing of the third MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, the Prime Minister said, “We have signed the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism to benefit from Thai knowledge, experience and best tourism practices.”

He said the two sides explored the possibility of cooperation in agriculture and food processing sectors to ensure food security for the people.

Regarding maritime communication, Sheikh Hasina said that the two sides discussed the direct movement of ships between Ranong port and Chittagong port. Bangladesh is following Thailand’s flagship ‘Landbridge Project’ with great interest.