Sheikh Abdullah in Thailand to boost trade, tourism ties

The meeting aims to boost economic cooperation and help solve challenges faced by Emirati companies in Thailand

Thailand's Prime Minister receives Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. WAM

ABU DHABI// The first UAE-Thai joint committee meeting was held in Bangkok on Friday to improve investment opportunities between the two counrties and encourage the growth of tourism.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Don Pramudwinai, the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting aimed to boost economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade between the two countries. It also planned to identify solutions to resolve challenges faced by Emirati companies operating in Thailand, according to Wam, the state news agency.

“The UAE and Thailand enjoy deep-rooted and excellent relations that formally started 40 years ago. We seek through this joint committee to exchange views on different issues of mutual interest and to explore opportunities for joint investments and projects. We look forward to increasing cooperation in all domains,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

Some 30,000 Thai tourists visited the UAE last year even as the number of flights between the two countries has increased with 98 flights per week, including 91 by UAE national carriers.

Mr Pramudwinai described Sheikh Abdullah’s visit to Thailand as the start of a new era in the deepening of relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Pramudwinai also signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a committee for political consultations.

On arrival in Bangkok on Thursday, Sheikh Abdullah also met with the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The meeting dwelt on improving friendly relations, promoting joint investments and collaboration in advanced industries and in the energy sector.

The investment climate in the UAE won praise from Mr Chan-ocha who said the country’s policies attracted business and investment making the country a prominent financial and commercial hub.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of more visits between officials of the two countries and expressed the UAE’s interest in strengthening ties with Thailand in all fields.

Other officials at the meeting were Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith, assistant minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation for economic affairs, Ahmed Alham Al Dhaheri, assistant under-secretary for consular affairs and Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan, director of the Asia Pacific Affairs at the ministry.