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Thailand, Fiji eye boosting political cooperation, trade, tourism

Xinhua, May 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and his visiting Fijian counterpart Josaia Bainimara met here Monday to discuss the strengthening of bilateral ties in such fields as political cooperation, trade and tourism.

Prayut and Bainimara talked about "opportunities to promote bilateral relations in the areas of political cooperation, security, trade and investment, especially approaches to implement technical cooperation and cooperation to develop the sugar cane industry, sugar, pure coconut oil, fisheries, alternative energy and tourism," the Thai premier was quoted by a government statement as saying.

What was also on the meeting's agenda was establishing several agreements such as on aviation, double taxation, and visa exemption in order to promote travel between the two countries, according to Prayut.

Prayut said he had reiterated to Bainimara that "Thailand is seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2017 -2018 term and hope to gain Fiji's support on this matter."

In addition, both sides discussed the matter of mutual support in various international positions such as Thailand's candidacy as a justice of the international law court, membership of the Human Rights Council, and Fiji's candidacy for the president of the General Assembly, he added.

Bainimara was accompanied by Fiji's minister of agriculture and minister of fisheries and forestry.

Prayut stressed that Thailand intends to promote bilateral trade as Fiji is a considerable market in the Pacific Island region and a main importer of Thai goods such as automobiles, autoparts, plastics, refined sugar, canned and processed seafood, cosmetics, soap and skin care products.

Fiji exports several items to Thailand such as fresh, chilled, frozen, or processed aquatic animals, and meat for consumption.

"In 2014, Thailand's trade balance with Fiji amounted to 49 million U.S. dollars and there is good potential for us to further expand our cooperation in order to increase the value of our bilateral trade," Prayut said.

Thailand and Fiji established diplomatic relations on December 15, 1972. Endi