PM Hasina departs for Thailand on six-day official visit

Bangladesh's Premier Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka today for Bangkok on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Accompanied by a delegation, Prime Minister Hasina boarded a special flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, taking off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:13 am, as announced by PM's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud highlighted the multifaceted nature of the visit during a media briefing, emphasizing its importance both bilaterally and multilaterally. This trip marks a historic milestone as it will be the first-ever visit by a head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.
Among the pivotal engagements planned during her stay, Prime Minister Hasina is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Thavisin of Thailand. Additionally, she will participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The visit is also poised to witness the signing of several cooperation agreements between Bangladesh and Thailand. These include a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement, an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on energy cooperation, tourism sector cooperation, and duty-related mutual cooperation.
Addressing key issues, Foreign Minister Mahmud stated that Bangladesh seeks Thailand's support on Rohingya repatriation and aims to attract increased investment from Thailand. Discussions regarding shipping connectivity are also on the agenda.
Upon her arrival on April 26, Prime Minister Hasina will be formally received by Prime Minister Thavisin, followed by bilateral talks, the signing of documents, a joint press conference, and a state lunch hosted in her honor. Furthermore, she is scheduled to have a Royal audience with Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, the King and Queen of Thailand.
Engaging in multilateral affairs, Prime Minister Hasina is slated to address the 80th Session of ESCAP on April 25, where she will deliver a speech. Additionally, she will meet with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjabana on the same day.