Meeting with Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister,

I would like to once again welcome you on your first visit to Russia to take part in the anniversary events marking 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations. Thailand plays a key role in this Association as one of its founding states.

I would like to thank you for the warm congratulations on Russia Day from the King of Thailand, and I would like to personally thank you for attending the reception at the Embassy of Russia on the occasion of Russia Day and for taking part in these celebrations.

We are satisfied that cooperation between our two countries is constructive and enjoys positive momentum across various domains, including political, economic and humanitarian cooperation. Ties between Russia and Thailand have a rich history and traditions. During our conversation, you have mentioned that we will be marking 130 years of our diplomatic relations next year, since they were established back in 1897.

Bilateral trade has been stable and demonstrates steady growth. In 2025, trade increased by 2.3 percent to constitute US$1.72 billion, with a surge of 26 percent in the first three months of this year.

There is considerable potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, transport, logistics, agro-industry, and investment. The joint commission for bilateral cooperation has a mission to facilitate progress along these tracks, but, of course, its operation can be made even more effective

People in our countries also stand to benefit from efforts to expand our cultural and educational ties. Held in 2024 and 2025, the cross years of cultural exchanges and tourism were a success. There were several major events, including a concert tour by the Bolshoi Theatre in Bangkok and the performances by the Royal Symphony Orchestra in Russia. The world-famous Russian Seasons were also a major event, its opening ceremony was hosted by Bangkok in February.

Tourist exchanges have been enjoying positive momentum. In 2025, almost 2 million Russians visited Thailand, whereas since the beginning of this year about 850,000 people have already travelled there.

Today, we have a good opportunity to discuss the latest developments in Russia-Thailand relations and outline new objectives.

Thank you for your attention.

Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul: Thank you, Mr President.

It is our pleasure. I believe everyone in my delegation is very excited to meet you today, and I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for all the arrangement you have given to us, especially for myself, having visited Russia for the first time.

I believe that the meeting between Russia and ASEAN has been very successful. As I talked with many leaders before they left this afternoon, they were very pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

The Thai people fondly recall your official visit to Thailand as guest of his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Sadly, both of them have passed away, but we still remember those moments when you made your visit to Thailand during his reign.

Coming back to the bilateral relations, they have always been special. We are determined to advance our partnership in all dimensions and to celebrate our 130^th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, which we will reach next year. We look forward to the convening of the upcoming joint committee in August, which, I am sure, will advance forward our partnership.

You did mention the trade volume of our two countries, but it seems, I would say, to be too little. It is only one US$1.5 billion per year, and it does not really reflect the true potential of our trade relations. So I hope we can do more, and I propose that we work together to enhance trade and investment facilitation and promote regular private sector engagement, particularly in sectors such as science and technology, creative economy, smart agriculture, infrastructure connectivity, space and defence industry.