PM returns home after six-day Thailand visit

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home on Monday (April 29) wrapping up her six-day official visit to Thailand.

A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage members, departed from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok at 10:10 am local time and landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:25 am.

The premier went to Thailand on April 24 last on a both bilateral and multilateral visit at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

On April 26, she engaged in bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Thavisin at the Government House (the Thai Premier’s Office). During the meeting, five bilateral documents were signed, covering visa exemption, cooperation on energy, tourism, customs matters, and the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand. These signings took place in the presence of both leaders.

During the official luncheon hosted by Thai Prime Minister Thavisin there, Sheikh Hasina called her visit a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. “This official visit will remain a milestone in our bilateral relations. It has ushered in a new era of fruitful partnership between our two countries,” she said.

Besides, she made a courtesy visit to the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, at the Amphorn Satharn Throne Hall in Dusit Palace on April 25.

As part of her multilateral commitments, Sheikh Hasina delivered a speech at the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on April 25th. The address took place at the ESCAP Hall (2nd floor) of the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok.

The five documents signed between Dhaka and Bangkok-- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) – are Agreement on Visa Exemption for holders of official passports; MoU on Energy Cooperation; MoU on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters; MoU on Cooperation in the field of tourism; and LOI to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the year 2024.

On April 24, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh received a warm welcome at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, marked by a 19-round gun salute, signaling her arrival.