Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on a five-day official visit to Thailand, on Wednesday said that his visit has elevated bilateral relations between the countries to a new height.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Bangkok following his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Oli expressed confidence that the visit would enhance cooperation in culture, tourism, education, energy, and other sectors.

He said discussions were held on expanding the 65-year-long diplomatic ties and strengthening people-to-people relations. Oli also expressed optimism that Thailand’s investment in Nepal’s tourism sector, including hotel business and aviation services, would be prioritised in the coming days.

“Nepal and Thailand share deep ties in agriculture, trade, tourism, and culture. I invite Thai investors to invest in Nepal,” Oli said. “Nepal and Thailand have strong trade and tourism relations, and we will now collaborate on international issues, including climate change.”

Oli further stated that he invited Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra to visit Nepal and was confident the visit would take place soon.

Nepal, Thailand sign agreements and MoUs

Nepal and Thailand signed multiple agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit.

On behalf of Nepal, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba inked the MoUs, while Thai Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol signed the MoU on cultural cooperation, and Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong signed the MoU on tourism cooperation.

Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Trade Board of Thailand. FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade Sanan Angubolkul signed the agreement in the presence of the two prime ministers.

The MoU aims to strengthen trade relations, promote economic cooperation, and establish a structured framework for expanding trade and investment between Nepal and Thailand.

Separate MoUs were also signed between the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the Federation of Thai Industries, as well as between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Council of Thailand.

Kathmandu University and Siam University also signed an agreement to enhance academic collaboration.

Likewise, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and Mahidol University, Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.