(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) UAE Foreign Trade Minister Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimihas concluded her official visit to Thailand, having met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the government's headquarters in Bangkok.
The meeting was also attended by Mohammad Ali Omran Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Thailand, and the delegation accompanying Shaikha Lubna.
The Thai leader welcomed the UAE delegation's visit, saying that it will contribute towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in economics and commerce. Shinawatra added that the visit will push towards allowing relations between the two countries reach new heights, stressing on the importance of the bilateral partnership the two countries enjoy. She also underlined the importance of the regional partnership that exists between GCC and Asean countries.
During the meeting, Shaikha Lubna conveyed the UAE government's greetings to the Thai government, and discussed the results of the bilateral meetings she held during her visit with ministers and members of the Thai private sector.
Shinawatra commended the UAE's efforts that have led to it becoming an important trade hub, adding that Thailand country is proud of its unique relationship with the UAE, especially in the field of trade, which has provided Thai products access to Middle Eastern markets. She also underlined the Thai government's commitment to supporting these ties and developing them further through strengthening the role of public and private sectors of both countries, pointing out to the many existing areas of cooperation between the UAE and Thailand, especially in the agriculture, services, tourism, and healthcare sectors.
Shaikha Lubna also affirmed the UAE private sector's interest in the opportunities that are available in Thailand. She also underlined the importance of working closely with the Thai minister of commerce in utilising available opportunities between the two countries and working on eliminating obstacles facing investors from both sides. Shaikha Lubna said that there are plenty of opportunities for the spread of Thai commodities and products, especially rice, through the UAE, which is considered the world's chief rice re-exporter.
Also present were Juma Al Kait, assistant undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs at the MoFT; Rashid Mubarak Al Hajri, president of Agthia; Obaid Saeed Al Thahiry, deputy executive director of international relations at the Abu Dhabi Polymers Company; Otaiba Al Otaibah, chairman of Otaiba Enterprises; and Mohammed Hamdan Al Zoaby, head of the MoFT's Trade Promotion Department.
