Today, outgoing Thai ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor paid her farewell call on foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the State Guest House Padma in the capital. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 9, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh and Thailand today underline the importance of holding the upcoming sixth Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting as soon as possible to initiate FTA negotiations.

The emphasis was made while outgoing Thai ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor paid her farewell call on foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the State Guest House Padma in the capital, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.

During the meeting, they also discussed strategies to reduce the trade gap between the two countries. 

The Thai Ambassador expressed hope for the establishment of a direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port.

The Foreign Secretary congratulated the Thai government for successful hosting of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and appreciated for the warm hospitality extended to the Bangladesh delegation during the summit. 

He thanked the ambassador for her special efforts to ease the Thai visa process. 

He sought Thailand’s support for successful Rohingya repatriation and Bangladesh’s bid for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.

The Ambassador and the Foreign Secretary also discussed various issues of mutual interests, including connectivity, trade, investment, medical tourism and manpower. 

Both of them emphasized holding the 4th Foreign Office Consultations and the 6th JTC meeting at a mutually convenient time.

Later, the Foreign Secretary hosted a farewell luncheon in honour of the outgoing envoy.