Presidents of Chile, Peru officially visit Thailand

BANGKOK, October 4 (TNA) - Chilean President Sebastián Piñera Echenique and his wife have arrived in Thailand for an official visit, scheduled for October 4-5, as the guests of the Thai government, aimed to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation between the two allied countries. Upon their arrival at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport on a special flight on Friday morning (local time), the Chilean President and his spouse were received by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Yukol Limlaemthong and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Santi Prompat. Thailand is the only destination in Southeast Asia, where the Chilean President stops over before attending the 21st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and related forums on Indonesia's Bali Island. It is also the first visit to Thailand by a Chilean president after both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963, representing a milestone for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. The visiting Chilean President is scheduled to meet with Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Bangkok's Government House on Friday afternoon to discuss the further promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation, covering trade and investment. The top two leaders will also witness the signing of the Thai-Chilean Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first Thailand seals with a Latin American country, and the signing of a Thai-Chilean tripartite academic agreement and a letter of intent for astronomic cooperation. Besides, the visiting Chilean President will meet Thai business operators to boost relations between the private sectors of both countries. Peru's President Ollanta Humala Tasso will, meanwhile, arrive at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport on a special flight on Friday evening for his two-day official visit to Thailand as the guest of the Thai government, also scheduled for October 4-5, before traveling to Bali for the 21st APEC Summit and related forums. During his stay in Thailand, the Peruvian President is scheduled to meet Thailand's Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng, Parliament President and House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and representatives of the private sector. The visiting Peruvian President will also be granted an audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, during which he will also be granted a luncheon by the revered Thai Princess. The Peruvian President will then be officially received and welcomed by Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Bangkok's Government House, after which the top two leaders will hold bilateral talks to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations. It is the fourth time a Peruvian president visit Thailand since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1965. (TNA)