Both sides agreed to intensify the efforts on seeking more avenues of cooperation in all vital areas of mutual interest and complementing each other’s role at international stage by supporting major initiatives at the UN level.
Deputy Premiers, ministers, the Qatari Ambassador to Bahraini and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Kingdom, the two countries’ Ambassadors and the Muharaq Governor also bid the kingdom’s guest farewell.
Bahrain and Thailand issued the following joint Communiqué:
“At the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrainbetween 13 – 15 May 2012. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Industry, senior officials, and a high level business delegation. The visit coincided with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Thailand.
“Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra was graciously granted Royal Audiences with His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the Royal Audiences, Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand expressed her deep appreciation for the key role played by the Bahraini leadership in fostering close and cordial ties between the two Kingdoms. Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdomof Thailand also reiterated the close ties existing between the two Kingdoms and expressed Thailand’s full confidence in the Government and people of Bahrain on their efforts to achieve national dialogue and reconciliation.
“Both sides attached great importance to the official visit of Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand as it is her first official visit to the region. The visit provides a good opportunity for both sides to further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas.
“A plenary session chaired by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand was held at Al Gudaibiya Palace. The two sides had a fruitful and cordial exchange of views on bilateral, regional and global issues. All aspects of bilateral relations were reviewed and both sides expressed their satisfaction with the development of cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further enhance cooperation in all mutually beneficial areas, with particular focus on developing a strong economic partnership.
“Both sides were of the view that trade and investment should be intensified. The presence of Thai private sector delegation accompanying Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand reflects the Thai private sector’s confidence in Bahrain. Areas of cooperation include trade, energy, construction, food security, agro industry, finance and Islamic Banking, health, culture, and tourism. Both sides also shared the view that there is a need to develop and encourage joint ventures in order to realize the expansion of economic cooperation.
“In the area of construction, the Thai side expressed interest in participating in the development of infrastructure of Bahrain as the Thai construction industry including architectural services and interior design are recognized for their professional capacity.
“Both sides exchanged views on food security and believed that cooperation between Thailand, as a major food exporting country, and Bahrain in this area should be further enhanced. There were potential areas of cooperation, especially in trade and investment as well as research and development of agricultural and commodity products including the Halal food industry. In this regard, Bahrain expressed its interest in enhancing cooperation in agriculture, with particular emphasis on aquaculture and cultivation of hydroponic plants. Thailand expressed its readiness to offer technical assistance in this field to Bahrain.
“Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and expressed satisfaction on their common positions.
“Both sides stressed the importance of further developing ASEAN – GCC relations, in view of the arrival of the ASEAN Community in 2015. Thailand, located in the heart of the mainland Southeast Asia, outlined potential areas for cooperation including investment, economic development, education, information and connectivity. Furthermore, both sides were of the view that the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) is a relevant vehicle for Asia-wide dialogue and cooperation. Thailand expressed its full confidence inBahrain’s chairmanship of ACD in 2013 and in the successful hosting of the 12th ACD Ministerial Meeting.
“Both sides expressed their deep concern at the situation in Syria and called for a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
“On the question of Palestine and the Middle East Peace Process, the two sides urged all parties concerned to resume negotiations based on the principle of two-State solution and relevant UN resolutions.
“Within the context of discussing international issues, Bahrain and Thailand exchanged views on the current global situation and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two Kingdoms in the UN and other international organizations.
“Recognising Thailand’s increasing role in international affairs, particularly the active participation in the UN and international peacekeeping operations and the fight against terrorism and piracy, Bahrain expressed support for Thailand’s candidature for a non-permanent seat of the UNSC for the term of 2017-2018. In this regard both sides agreed to reciprocate their support for their candidatures for the membership of the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2015-2017.
“During the visit, Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand visited the Command Centre of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Bahrain and Thailand have actively participated in the international efforts to combat piracy and terrorism in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia in support of relevant UNSC resolutions. Currently, the Royal Thai Navy commands the Combined Task Force 151 of the CMF. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the Kingdom of Thailand’s involvement in these important endeavours, and in return, Thailand expressed its appreciation for Bahrain’s role in the CMF, and in maintaining regional peace and security.
“Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the constructive spirit of friendship and cooperation that prevailed in their discussions, reflecting the close and cordial relations and resulting in closer cooperation between the two Kingdoms.
“Her Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to her and her delegation during the visit.
“After the plenary session, the two Prime Ministers presided over the signing ceremony on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on cooperation in the field of Tourism, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Food Security, Trade and Investment in Agricultural Products and Commodities in Particular Halal Food.
“Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand extended formal invitations to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al
Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, to visit the Kingdom of Thailand.”