PM meets Cyprus envoy in bid to strengthen ties

Cyprus’ ambassador to Thailand yesterday met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as both countries committed to strengthening bilateral relations.

Agis Loizou, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Gen Prayut at Government House where they discussed boosting cooperation, especially in areas of trade, investment, and tourism.

After their meeting, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Gen Prayut welcomed Mr Loizou who travelled to Thailand from India to attend the Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors, on June 23-24.

Mr Thanakorn said the prime minister proposed more exchanges between the countries while both parties also welcomed negotiations towards the finalisation of a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).

There have been more than 40 years of fruitful relations between the countries, said Mr Thanakorn, adding that the ambassador affirmed Cyprus’ commitment to advancing relations with Thailand.

Mr Thanakorn said this would be especially done through peopleto-people relations which is the key foundation to cooperation and international relations.

Mr Loizou also commended Thailand’s effective management of the Covid-19 situation which has been executed in parallel with an economic recovery.

Thailand and Cyprus agreed to cooperate and promote post-Covid-19 economic recovery in potential fields, Mr Thanakorn said.

During their meeting, Gen Prayut promoted Thailand’s Bio-CircularGreen (BCG) economic model and the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

He also emphasised the government’s policy promoting investment in energy, and the so-called circular, green and digital economies which Cyprus may leverage to expand its own investments in other countries in the region.

Mr Loizou expressed his readiness to promote trade and investment between the countries and exchange knowledge and experiences on renewable energy.

He also proposed Thailand and Cyprus jointly organise an investment summit with the private sector to support both domestic and regional investors.

The ambassador also said that he was pleased to promote tourism between the countries and to cooperate with Thailand in developing tourism opportunities.