AKIPRESS.COM - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova met with new Ambassador of Thailand to Turkmenistan (with residence in Ankara) Apirat Sugondhabhirom on May 10, the Foreign Ministry reported.

The Ambassador of Thailand presented copies of his credentials. The Deputy Minister congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The parties stated that Turkmenistan and Thailand have a good basis for developing relations on a wide range of interaction in the political, diplomatic, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The Turkmen diplomat stressed the importance of high-level contacts. An exchange of views took place regarding the possibility of organizing visits of heads of state.

Another priority of cooperation is the expansion of ties between the parliaments of Turkmenistan and Thailand. It was proposed to consider the possibility of creating an inter-parliamentary friendship group.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan proposed holding next round of consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries to discuss the prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The parties also discussed the possibility of appointing the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand.

The Turkmen side stated that there is a positive experience of interaction between Turkmenistan and Thailand within the framework of international organizations. Countries support each other in elections to various UN structures and other authoritative international organizations. It was also proposed to join the Group of Friends of Neutrality created at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

The diplomats also paid attention to the idea of creating the "Central Asia-ASEAN" format.

They exchanged views on the prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and Thailand in the trade and economic sphere, where energy, the gas chemical industry and agriculture were highlighted as promising areas.

The presence of great opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the scientific, cultural and humanitarian fields, as well as in the field of tourism and sports was noted. In particular, the Turkmen side proposed the establishment of direct contacts between higher educational institutions of the two countries.

During the working visit of the Ambassador of Thailand, it is envisaged to present his credentials to the Assembly of Turkmenistan, as well as to hold a number of meetings in the ministries and state agencies of the country.