Pakistan & Thailand enjoy enduring friendship

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Pakistan and Thailand enjoy cordial bilateral diplomatic ties established diplomatic relationship on 10 October 1951. Political and Security Cooperation Thailand and Pakistan enjoy close and cordial ties. Both Pakistan and Thailand have age-old histories of ancient civilization and have been connected by a common cultural linkage through Buddhism and the Gandhara civilization that flourished in the city of Taxila. Now, Thailand has the “Look West Policy” and Pakistan has the “Vision East Asia Policy” which complements each other and provide mutually reinforcing framework to advance the shared vision. Both countries hold similar views on major regional and global issues and cooperate closely at regional and international forums.The relations between Pakistan and Thailand have consistently grown over the years, based on shared principles and mutual interests. Pakistan and Thailand are both hubs and enjoy strategic location in their respective regions. There have been a number of high-level visits. In 2013, the two Prime Ministers met twice, in August in Islamabad and in November in Bangkok. In May 2014, the Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces paid an official visit to Pakistan. These have heralded a new era in the bilateral relations and elevated them to new heights. Economic Cooperation In 2014, trade between Thailand and Pakistan amounted to 1,014 million USD. Thailand’s export value was 874 million USD and import value was 140 million USD. Thailand recorded a trade surplus of 734 million USD. Pakistan is one of the Thailand’s important trade partners and export destinations. Major exports from Thailand to Pakistan are motor cars, parts and accessories, chemical products, polymers of ethylene, propylene, etc. in primary forms, rubber products, synthetic filament and staple fibres, and machinery and parts. Pakistan’s largest export categories to Thailand are fresh aquatic animals, chilled, frozen, processed and instant, yarn and fibres, fabrics, animal and animal products, munitions used in official services, and garments. On Monday, Joint Logo Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Thailand was launched at a virtual ceremony, with recorded messages by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Don Pramudwinai.
In his video message, Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that Pakistan and Thailand were trusted friends and the enduring relationship had continued to grow and diversify over time with sustained commitment of leadership of both countries. The Foreign Minister added: “Our relations are anchored in mutual confidence, understanding and cooperation. The bonds between our lands and peoples are rooted in history, going back to the rich Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan of which Taxila is quite well known to Thai people.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai felicitated the government and people of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion. Reflecting on the seven decades of bilateral relations, he echoed the sentiments of friendship and cooperation and looked forward to further strengthening and deepening of the binding ties between Thailand and Pakistan in the years to come. In addition to unveiling of the Joint Logo, a video ‘7 Decades – 7 Milestones’ was also played.
On the special occasion of the 70th anniversary, both sides have planned a series of events to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting manner.