Iran Determined to Expand Ties with Thailand

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received the new Thai ambassador to Tehran, Suwit Saicheua, in a meeting here on Sunday.

During the meeting, Ahmadinejad noted that the situation of world is changing in a way that could be useful for the independent countries, adding that independent states should take the advantage of such a situation in their favor, a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency said.

Ahmadinejad termed Tehran-Bangkok relations as amicable, and called for the utilization of existing capabilities on both sides to further improve bilateral ties.

Reminding that some bullying powers are unhappy with Iran-Thailand relations, the president noted that both countries should be equipped with science and technology.

“The tyrant powers expect us to be under their control and want us to behave as a part of their empire,” Ahmadinejad said.

The president also mentioned that today, Iran and Thailand have the ability to administer their countries by themselves.

Pointing out that nothing can hinder expansion of Iran-Thailand ties, he said, “We should do all within our power to expand the two countries’ relations.”

The president called for holding the joint economic commission meeting in Bangkok in a bid to further promote bilateral relations.

For his part, Suwit Saicheua termed the Islamic Republic as a good friend.

“The Thai government has decided to increase the volume of its trade with Iran by 25 percent in the new Iranian year” (which started on March 20), the envoy concluded