AILYN AGONIA

BANGKOK THAI Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will arrive in Doha on a two-day state visit on May 15, as part of her first trip to the region, said Thailand’s M-E Section Chief (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Jak Sangchai.

A slew of agreements are expected to be signed during her maiden trip to Qatar.

Speaking to Qatar Tribune in Bangkok, Sangchai said that Shinawatra’s visit to Qatar is in response to the invitation extended by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al Thani. She will arrive in Doha after her state visit to Bahrain.

The first female prime minister of the Southeast Asian nation will be accompanied by a large delegation from diverse sectors like energy, construction (materials and design), capital management (stock exchange), hospital management, and from the food industry, particularly those engaged in production of Halal products.

The delegation will comprise officials and representatives from important Thai agencies including ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, tourism, investment and also the Islamic Bank of Thailand.

“The Thai prime minister was pleased with the invitation of the PM. She is enthusiastic about her visit. Thailand has good relations with Qatar and this visit will be an opportunity for her to see personally what the country is all about,” Sangchai said.

“There are four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) that we are working on. We have also suggested the PM to visit Qatar Foundation, which has the blessings of Her Highness Sheikha Moza. The Thai PM shares common interests with HH Sheikha Moza. Our prime minister has just launched the women’s empowerment fund to financially support women.” Thailand seeks to increase export to Qatar and promote Halal products. “We are interested in participating in the economic prosperity of Qatar,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.