This handout photograph taken and released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on July 15, 2023, shows Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) shaking hands with Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (right) prior to their meeting at Dusit Laguna Hotel in Phuket. (RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / HANDOUT VIA AFP)
BANGKOK – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai held a meeting with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the southern island of Phuket on Saturday, said the Thai Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov is in Phuket to preside over the opening of the Consulate-General of Russia in the resort island of Thailand.
The ministry said the two sides had a fruitful discussion on issues of mutual interest, including ways to increase trade, enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI), culture, sports, and tourism, as well as expressing support for the commencement of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at the earliest opportunity.
ALSO READ: New year revelry returns to Thai streets as tourism rebounds
The two senior diplomats also exchanged views on regional and global issues, such as the situations in the Asia-Pacific region, Ukraine, and Myanmar, said the ministry.