Thailand eyes greater defence, security cooperation with Bangladesh

Thailand has proposed to sign a MoU with Bangladesh on combating transnational crimes including human trafficking and terrorism following Dhaka’s wish to create a forum in this regard.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan also expressed Bangkok’s interest to strengthen the bilateral ties in the defence front.
 
He mentioned this when Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem called on him on Saturday.
 
The foreign ministry said the ambassador raised a number of issues and proposals from Bangladesh side towards expanding defence cooperation for “addressing shared security challenges and aspirations”.
 
General Wongsuwan expressed his country's “strong resolve to work closely with Bangladesh especially in realising the proposals made by the Bangladesh Ambassador”.
 

He assured her that Thailand “is more than ready” to work with Bangladesh for greater defence and security cooperation.

Wongsuwan expressed Thailand's interest to invite Bangladesh’s three armed services chiefs at earliest mutual convenience as both sides stressed the need for reviving regular exchange of visits between the defence leaderships.

It was also agreed that ‘Thai Navy Cadet’ training ships would pay goodwill calls at Bangladesh ports.

The two air forces would explore scope for joint exercises especially in the context of UN peace mission.

Thailand's deputy defence minister and senior officials of the defence ministry were present at the meeting.