Iran, Thailand to open 'new chapter' in ties: President Rouhani
EghtesadOnline: Visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that Tehran and Bangkok governments are determined to open 'new chapter' in ties.
President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.
He indicated resolve of the two governments to help access of one another to the markets of east, west and central Asia to Europe, reports IRNA.
The Iranian and Thai governments are fully determined to expand close relations in political, economic, cultural and scientific arenas.
The President said that Thailand would be considered as Iran's economic communication bridge in east of Asia.
President Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the most secure country in the region with transport facility to regional market of 400 million people serving as a gate for trade of East Asia and Thailand with the central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe as well.
He said that the situation following Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a good opportunity for developing ties with Thailand.
President Rouhani said that expansion of Iran-Thailand relations would serve the interests of the two nations and is complementary for the regional cooperation.
He called for expansion of banking ties, saying that banking cooperation would play a pivotal role for boosting economic cooperation.
President Rouhani said that there is no hindrance to enhance Iran-Thailand relations.
He described terrorism, violence and extremism as the global dilemma, calling for expansion of cooperation among all countries to tackle terrorism.
Chan-o-cha said his part that the Thai government is determined to expand close relations with Iran.
He said the Thai companies are fully ready to cooperate with the Iranian firms.
Chan-o-cha called for implementation of all agreements inked between the two countries, expressing hope that cooperation on science and culture would develop in parallel with economic cooperation.
President Rouhani was accorded formal welcome by Chan-o-cha on Sunday.
Thailand is the last leg of Rouhani's three-nation Southeast Asian tour that started from Vietnam on October 5. After Vietnam, the Iranian President visited Malaysia.
In Thailand, Rouhani is to attend the second Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).