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Raj Kishor Yadav, Chairman of International Relations and Tourism Committee of Parliament has addressed the ‘Indian Ocean Conference 2025: The BIMSTEC Dialogue’ organized by Indian Foundation in Thailand on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit. 

It is an honour to represent Nepal at the 'Indian Ocean Conference 2025: The BIMSTEC Dialogue' hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, a land of the free that was previously called Siam, Yadav said. 

 This Sanskrit word has connected us for centuries. Nepal's shared vision of fostering prosperity and connectivity with South and Southeast Asia(SEA) as a founding member of BIMSTEC since 1997, he added. 

As the Nepali adage states, 'Strength lies in unity,' we gather to advance our Collective and robust Prosperity, he said, we request all to channel this unity to transcend challenges into opportunities and Take the plunge for Aspiration. 

We are the civilisation state extending the Bharat Barsha, now divided into seven states with 22% of the total global population, and we are the hub of ancient wisdom, biodiversity, and youth and have been leaders for millennia, Yadav said. 

 We must work for resilient infrastructure to untapped this potential, breaking trade barriers for equitable growth. So this platform is also a bridge connecting the landlocked Himalayas with the vibrant ASEAN markets and blue economies of the Bay of Bengal, he said.

In a landmark visit—the first official trip since the establishment of Nepal-Thailand diplomatic relations over 60 years ago—Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The two leaders witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), expanding cooperation in tourism, culture, trade, industry, medicine, agriculture, and academia.

The visit, coinciding with the 66th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, highlighted the strong spiritual and cultural connections, particularly the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Thai Buddhists to Lumbini. 

Following the talks, the two leaders held a joint press conference, hailing the visit as a milestone in elevating bilateral relations. Prime Minister Oli extended an invitation to his Thai counterpart to visit Nepal, which she accepted, pledging to do so at a mutually convenient time.

Oli emphasized the discussions on deepening diplomatic and people-to-people ties. He highlighted Nepal’s potential in hospitality and aviation, urging Thai investors to explore opportunities in these sectors. “Nepal and Thailand share strong agricultural, trade, tourism, and cultural ties. I encourage Thailand’s business community to invest in Nepal,” he said.

Prime Minister Shinawatra noted the long-standing friendship between the two nations, rooted in shared history and culture. “This visit marks an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and explore new avenues for collaboration,” she stated. She praised Nepal’s effective management of water resources for hydropower development, which has significantly contributed to economic growth.

The Thai prime minister also stressed the importance of improving the ease of doing business, reducing trade barriers and leveraging comparative advantages. “With bilateral trade currently at $40m, we have significant potential to expand. These measures will boost trade and investment, giving Thai businesses greater confidence to enter Nepal’s market,” she added.

Connectivity emerged as another key focus. “We recognize the role of Thai airlines in enhancing ties through increased flight frequency, resuming direct Bangkok-Kathmandu routes, and expanding services to Lumbini,” Shinawatra said.

The leaders also discussed strengthening the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). “With solidarity among member-states, we will ensure BIMSTEC remains a dynamic and relevant organization,” Shinawatra said. She reiterated her commitment to advancing bilateral and multilateral relations across diverse fields for sustainable prosperity.

Nepal and Thailand also signed several agreements regarding cooperation in various sectors. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Thailand’s Minister for Culture, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, signed an MoU on cultural cooperation, while Deuba and Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong inked a tourism agreement. 

Other agreements included partnerships between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Thailand’s Mahidol University, Janata Agro and Forestry Nepal (JFL) and Kasetsart University, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Kathmandu University and Siam University. 

Additionally, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Thai Industries, along with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Council of Thailand, signed agreements to bolster private-sector collaboration.

Key areas of discussion 

• Bilateral relations 
• Trade and investment 
• Agriculture and technology 
• Development cooperation 
• Multilateral and regional cooperation 
• Connectivity 

Nepal and Thailand have today witnessed the signing of various six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs): two from the government level and remaining six from the non-government side during Prime Minister Oli's ongoing official visit to Thailand.

Before the signing of the documents, Prime Minister Oli and Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held a bilateral meeting

On the occasion, the two exchanged views focusing on political and bilateral relations, trade and economic cooperation, and the cooperation in aviation, tourism, cultural and development sectors.  They also addressed issues of regional and multisectoral concerns.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Thailand's Minister for Culture, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, signed the MoU to promote cooperation in the cultural sector. Similarly, the Foreign Minister and Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, signed the MoU on tourism cooperation.

Other MoUs were signed between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Mahidol University in Thailand, Janata Agro and Forestry Nepal (JFL) and Kasetsart University in Thailand, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Kathmandu University and Siam University in Thailand. These understandings aim to enhance bilateral cooperation in their respective fields.

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Thai Industries, as well as the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Council of Thailand, are the remaining non-government parties to sign MoUs.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has said that Thailand will increase investment and participation in the aviation and tourism sectors in Nepal.

The Thai premier said this while addressing a joint press conference organized after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to Thailand, here today.

On the occasion, she said Thailand was positive to increase the number of Thai Airlines flights to Kathmandu and direct flights to Lumbini.

Prime Minister Shinawatra expressed her belief that Thailand's investment and trade would be prioritized in Nepal in the energy and tourism sectors such as hotels and aviation would get priority in the days to come.

Noting that the first visit by the Prime Minister of Nepal after 65 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was historic, the Thai PM Shinawatra said that they also discussed ways to enhance connectivity and trade partnership between the two countries.