Japanese Emperor-Empress's visit to Thailand further strengthens bilateral ties

BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA) - This week's state visit to Thailand by Their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan will further strengthen bilateral ties between Thailand and Japan in all areas, Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Hideaki Kobayashi said here on Wednesday.

The Japanese top envoy told journalists that His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko are very interested in the Thai history.

Their Majesties Emperor and Empress visited Thailand's old capital city--Ayutthaya near Bangkok--on Wednesday, where they toured the city's ancient and historic places.

"Their Majesties Emperor and Empress's visit to Thailand this week as Royal guests to join the kingdom's celebrations on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne will further strengthen the strong ties between Japan and Thailand," said the ambassador.

Japan and Thailand have developed strong bilateral ties in all fields -- political, economic. social and cultural--since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1887--119 years ago.

Members of Thai and Japanese Royal families have frequently exchanged their visits and have closer ties.

Bilateral trade between the two allied countries have increased so far--accounting to nearly US$40 billion annually, while Japan has become the largest foreign investor in Thailand, with investment projects in Thailand accounting for around 40-50 per cent of the kingdom's foreign direct investment each year.

TNA