MOSCOW, August 14. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Moscow to discuss pressing issues on the bilateral agenda.

According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, Phuangketkeow is visiting Russia on August 12-15. During his talks with Lavrov, the parties plan to sign a 2026-2028 plan for consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

The ninth meeting of the Russia-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation will be one of the highlights of the visit, with Phuangketkeow set to co-chair the event. The Thai Foreign Ministry added that the visit was aimed at advancing the government’s economic diplomacy agenda to boost trade and investment.

In addition, the top Thai diplomat will meet with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Minister for the Development of the Far East Alexey Chekunkov, Eurasian Economic Commission Board Chairman Bakytzhan Sagintayev and Russia-Thailand Business Council Chairman Ivan Demchenko. A delegation representing six of Thailand’s leading companies is accompanying Phuangketkeow on the trip.

Promising partnership

Lavrov and Phuangketkeow are expected to pay close attention to trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Russia is Thailand's largest trading partner among the members of the Eurasian Economic Union. Bilateral trade turnover continues to grow, reaching $2 billion. The parties are set to discuss cooperation in food and agricultural supplies, as well as in the energy sector and innovative technologies.

Tourism also plays an important role in relations between Moscow and Bangkok. Russia ranks first in Europe for the number of tourists visiting Thailand. According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, four Russian airlines operate more than 100 flights to 20 destinations in Thailand every week. In addition, the relevant agencies are working to arrange flights to Russia by Thai air carriers. Lavrov and Phuangketkeow may also discuss tourist safety following the recent killing of two Russian nationals in Thailand.

The ministers are also likely to discuss Russia-Thailand cooperation within multilateral organizations. Moscow and Bangkok maintain effective cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Cooperation within BRICS is also an important aspect of bilateral relations. Thailand was officially granted BRICS partner-country status earlier and has expressed a desire to obtain full membership, a position welcomed by Moscow. Moscow and Bangkok also cooperate closely within the United Nations.