Fiji, Thailand sign agreement on technical cooperation

Fiji and Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation, the Fijian government announced Tuesday.

The MoU, signed in Suva by Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Thanasak Patimapragorn, sets the framework for future technical cooperation in a range of areas, including the exchange of experts, the provision of training programs and future collaboration between the two countries on social and economic development, according to Fiji's Department of Information.

The move clearly demonstrates the commitment of Fiji and Thailand to take their relationship to another level, Bainimarama said.

"We have made a great deal of progress so far in developing our bilateral ties and I am grateful to the deputy prime minister for building on the success of my own visit to Thailand in May. The MoU signed today establishes a solid platform for both countries to extend our cooperation into other areas of mutual interest," said Bainimarama.

"On behalf the Fijian government and the Fijian people, I want to express our deep appreciation for the generous support that the Thai government is providing to Fiji and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the months and years ahead," the Fijian prime minister said.

Thanasak is in Fiji as chief guest for the 3rd summit of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), which formally gets underway in Suva on Wednesday after a traditional welcoming ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Endi