Russia promotes transport ties

Russia is eager to expand its cooperation with Thailand in transportation and aviation, according to Russia’s top envoy to the country.

A delegation arrived in Bangkok yesterday to hold talks with Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, Russian Ambassador to Thailand Kirill Barsky told the Bangkok Post.

“Our military ties have a very bright future but the potential for transport is also huge,” Mr Barsky said.

Russian Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, who was scheduled to meet his Thai counterpart Arkhom Termpittayapaisith yesterday, has postponed his trip due to an urgent assignment from Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

But Mr Sokolov has sent representatives to attend the meeting on his behalf and will fly to Thailand at a later date, the Russian ambassador said.

“UVZ is very interested in supplying their commodities to Thailand. The company has, in fact, started an initial contact with Thailand’s Transport Ministry,” he said.

Uralvagonzavod Corp (UVZ) produces locomotives, rail lanes, engines, carriages and road-building equipment. It already supplies carriages to Thailand.

Russia also plans to deliver military transport Mi-17V-5 helicopters to Thailand, Mr Barsky said.

The Ministry of Interior is also interested in purchasing Kamov choppers from Russia to carry people and troops during national disasters, according to reports.

Russia delivered two Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft to the Royal Thai Air Force last year and is due to make another delivery in 2018, Mr Barsky said.

The Russian envoy said he has also urged civilian carriers here to consider buying these medium-sized aircraft as they are well-suited to short-distance travel, a burgeoning market in Thailand.

“The Sukhoi Superjet can fly to different regions of Thailand and to neighbouring countries. Thailand needs this type of carrier,” Mr Barsky said.

Abbreviated as the SSJ-100, it seats about 100 passengers and is developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC).

“Aviation is another big issue to be discussed during the [transport officials’] meeting,” the envoy said.