Extra airline flights and tourism promotion are likely between Thailand and Fiji following the visit of the Pacific island nation's prime minister to Bangkok on Monday.
Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimara was welcomed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House.
Gen Prayut said after their talk that Fiji was determined to further develop its tourism sector and Thailand had expertise in this field. It was therefore sensible that Thai-Fijian tourism should be promoted and more flights scheduled between the two countries to facilitate this.
During the visit of the Fijian prime minister, officials from both sides discussed an air transport agreement that would include exemption of tax duplication and visas, Gen Prayut said.
It was also planned to raise the value of bilateral trade, he said. Fiji was an economic and trade centre of the Pacific islands and had good potential as a market for Thai goods.
Thai exports to Fiji already include automobiles and parts, plastic pellets and sugar. Last year Thailand posted a trade surplus of US$49 million with Fiji.
Gen Prayut said he told the Fijian prime minister that Southeast Asian nations and the Pacific islands could be recognised as a food source of the world.
He said they discussed reciprocal support between the two countries, as Thailand hoped Fiji would support its bid to become a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council.