Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will pay official visits to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives during 31 May - 2 June 2013 of the invitations of the President of Sri Lanka and the President of the Maldives.

 

            The Prime Minister is scheduled to have bilateral meetings with the Presidents of both countries to discuss trade and investment cooperation, particularly in tourism, construction and agro-industry, as well as ways to enhance cultural and technical cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people contact. 

 

             Prime Minister Yingluck will visit Colombo on 31 May 2013 for an official reception and bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka. She will also address the Sri Lankan Parliament. Later, she will depart for Kandy to pay homage to the chief Buddhist monks of Asgiriya Chapter and Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya. In the evening, the Prime Minister will attend an Upasampada Ceremony at the Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple or Sacred Tooth Temple, where an ‘Esala Perahera’ Parade will be held in honour of Thailand and the Thai Prime Minister. The Thai Prime Minister will also attend various functions to celebrate the 260th anniversary of the establishment of Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka.

 

             On 1 June 2013, the Prime Minister Yingluck will depart for the Maldives. She is scheduled to have official meeting with His Excellency Dr. Mohemmed Waheed, President of the Maldives. This would be the first ever official visit of a Thai Prime Minister to the Maldives since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 34 years ago. In addition to promoting enhanced bilateral ties, the two Leaders will discuss regional and global issues of common interest including disaster management, climate change, social diversity, cooperation in the United Nations and fostering ties between ASEAN and SAARC. 

 

            These official visits signify the enhancement and the deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation between Thailand and south Asian countries. Members of the Thai private sector will accompany the Thai Prime Minister to countries to explore investment possibilities and boost commercial links.