Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh’s bid to get membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Chief Adviser expressed the hope as newly appointed Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thithiporn Chirasawadi paid her maiden courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, Prof Yunus informed the ambassador about the interim government’s initiative to secure Bangladesh’s membership in the ASEAN, the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade force. In the process, Bangladesh has already floated its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. “We take it very seriously. It will connect South Asia with Southeast Asia,” the Chief Adviser said, referring to Bangladesh’s efforts to get ASEAN membership.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to strengthen further bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, maritime connectivity, prevention of online scams, multilateral engagement, and people-to-people exchanges. Prof Yunus recalled his long association with Thailand and expressed hope that ties between the two countries would grow stronger during the ambassador’s tenure.
The Thai ambassador noted Bangkok’s keenness to begin negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, which she stated would boost Thai investment in Bangladesh and expand trade between the two countries. Chirasawadi also mentioned plans to launch a direct shipping route between Thailand’s Ranong Port and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port. The service is expected to begin in March, following official talks between the shipping authorities of the two countries scheduled for February.
Prof Yunus emphasised the need for issuing more visas to Bangladeshi nationals, highlighting that an increasing number of Bangladeshis are traveling to Thailand for medical treatment, business, education, and tourism. SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.