Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand and Australia have agreed to consider thepossibility of introducing a mutual visa exemption scheme for travel andbusiness activities between the people of both nations.
Theproposal was raised during a meeting between Thai Prime Minister SretthaThavisin and the Governor-General of Australia David Hurley in Bangkok onFebruary 14.
At themeeting, Srettha affirmed the Thai Government’s commitment to taking measuresto promote tourism, including those to ensure safety and create favourableconditions for tourists’ travel activities.
Healso proposed more cooperation on the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement(Tafta), which will help increase trade volume and value between the twocountries.
He urged Australian investors to explore opportunities in the greenenergy and smart technology sectors in Thailand.
Forhis part, Hurley said the upcoming ASEAN-Australia Special Summit early nextmonth will give Thailand an opportunity to promote investments and highlightthe government’s southern Land Bridge megaproject.
Bothsides also expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ military cooperation,including joint exercises and personnel training. Srettha noted that closercooperation will enhance the two countries' readiness to address securitychallenges.
Hurleyand his spouse are on their four-day visit to Thailand from February 14-17 topromote the relations between Australia and Thailand. They are scheduled tohave a royal audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen during the visit.
Hurlyalso planned to visit Chiang Rai where an Australia-sponsored project onenvironmental protection is implemented./.
