Fri Oct 11 09:11:37 UTC 2024: ## Modi and Thai PM Discuss Strengthening Ties at East Asia Summit
**Vientiane, Laos:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.
Sharing a picture of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Met with PM Shinawatra in Lao PDR. Thailand is a very valued friend of India. Our conversation focused on how to enhance trade ties between our countries and boost cultural links. We also see great potential in defence, shipping, digital innovations and other areas.”
The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement, highlighting that PM Modi congratulated the Thai Prime Minister on her assumption of office. In return, PM Shinawatra wished PM Modi well for his historic third term.
Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields and explored ways to strengthen collaboration on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral platforms. They specifically discussed strengthening regional cooperation through BIMSTEC.
India’s relationship with Thailand is a crucial pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which marks its tenth anniversary this year.
First Piper 