Thailand, Russia celebrate 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations

[News Bandit]

BANGKOK, June 21 – Thailand and Russia celebrate the 115th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Thursday.

Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul will preside over the celebrations, attended by H.E. Alexander G. Mariyasov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, high-ranking officials and the diplomatic corps.

Two cultural shows – Russia’s Swan Lake ballet and a Thai Khon mask play, depicting the Ramayana epic -- will be performed at the event.

Thai-Russian relations began in 1897 during the reign of King Rama V and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Relations developed smoothly and have grown strongly for more than a century.

Regarding trade between the two countries, the value of Thai-Russian trade rose by US$5.6 billion in 2011, an increase of 41 per cent from the previous year.

Thailand recorded more than one million Russian tourists last year while about 10,000 Thai tourists travelled to Russia. About 100 Thai students are now studying in Russia. (MCOT online news)

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