Thailand, Russia discuss economic ties, FTA talks

MOSCOW, Aug 14 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Moscow to discuss boosting trade, investment, agriculture, and energy cooperation, officials said.

The two sides focused on enhancing economic capability and easing trade barriers, particularly through pushing for the start of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Sihasak also met with the President of the Eurasian Economic Commission to highlight the commercial potential of the EAEU market, which encompasses 180 million people and a combined gross domestic product of $1.9 trillion.

The EAEU side expressed interest in Thailand's transition toward digital and green economies, viewing the Southeast Asian nation as a strategic gateway to the broader ASEAN market.

Government-to-government dialogue is expected to address existing operational hurdles, facilitating private sector bilateral investment and trade between the two regions. -819 (TNA)