Thai PM keen to improve trade and strategic ties with India

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday said that her country is committed to improving trade ties with India and elevating the bilateral relationship to the strategic level.

Shinawatra, who will be the chief guest at India's 63rd Republic Day Parade on Thursday, was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapatai Bhavan here.

"I think this is very impressive for the warm welcome of the hospitality, and also this is a great honour for us to join the Republic Day as the state guest. So, I think this is the thing that we really to-this is the first time for Thailand in India to be started as the strategic level," said Shinawatra.

"And, I think, we have committed to work closely in every level and increase the improve of the trade and investment, and do something as a strategy with Thailand and India in most of the benefit of most country. So, this is a first start that has been for the long time and as the old friends to India," she added.

Shinawatra, who became Thailand's first woman Prime Minister in August last year, met President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna here today.

The Thai Prime Minister will also hold delegation-level talks with her Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh today. Several agreements are expected to be signed between the two nations. (ANI)