During a joint press conference following the bilateral meeting between Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Oli expressed optimism that the visit would further enhance the cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and energy.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

PM Oli pointed out that one of the key areas for growth in Nepal-Thailand relations is tourism, particularly religious tourism. Every year, tens of thousands of Thai Buddhists make a pilgrimage to Lumbini, Nepal’s sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. In 2024 alone, 21,496 Thai tourists visited Lumbini, showcasing the deep religious and cultural connections between the two nations.

Given these longstanding ties, PM Oli believes that there are vast opportunities to deepen the collaboration between Nepal and Thailand. The two countries share a rich cultural heritage, particularly in Buddhism, which forms the foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation. The visit is expected to pave the way for expanding cooperation in tourism, with Lumbini at the center of this cultural exchange.

Nepal’s Reconstruction with Thailand’s Support

The historic earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015 caused widespread devastation, particularly to religious and cultural sites like the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu. Thailand responded promptly by providing substantial aid. The Thai government contributed over 1 million USD to help rebuild damaged cultural landmarks, including the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites. This aid also included financial and material support, which not only helped restore physical monuments but also reinforced the bond of friendship between the two countries.

PM Oli acknowledged the immense contribution of Thailand in Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. He noted that such support is a clear demonstration of the genuine care the Thai people have for Nepal and its culture. The assistance provided by Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake highlights the depth of the relationship between the two nations, extending beyond mere diplomacy to include solidarity in times of crisis.

Regional Cooperation in BIMSTEC

During the press conference, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for the development of the Bay of Bengal region. She urged the regional organization, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), to move forward as a people-centric and development-focused institution. According to Minister Rana, it is crucial for BIMSTEC to address the concerns of the people in the region, including the impacts of climate change.

Minister Rana emphasized that the primary goal of regionalism within BIMSTEC is to enhance the economic, cultural, societal, and people-to-people ties in the region. She also underscored that such cooperation is vital for achieving regional transformation. Through strengthening these ties, countries in the Bay of Bengal region can achieve shared prosperity, peace, and stability.

The Importance of Regional Trade

In a world increasingly affected by geopolitical tensions, trade protectionism, and disruptions in global shipping, regional cooperation is becoming more essential than ever. The rise of protectionist policies and punitive tariffs is creating barriers to the smooth flow of goods across international borders. Furthermore, global supply chains have been severely disrupted, especially due to geopolitical conflicts, attacks on key shipping ports, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic, in particular, highlighted the fragility of global trade systems. The sudden shortages of essential goods in the aftermath of the pandemic showcased just how dependent countries are on seamless international trade. With rising disruptions in long-haul transportation and shifting trade policies, regional trade can offer a more stable and resilient alternative.

Regional cooperation, particularly through BIMSTEC, presents a way for nations in the Bay of Bengal region to pool resources, expand markets, and strengthen their collective capacity for sustainable development. By fostering stronger trade ties within the region, countries can ensure a steady flow of goods and services, which can help mitigate the effects of global disruptions.

A Call for Regional Unity

As the world faces new economic and environmental challenges, regional unity and cooperation are more important than ever. The countries of the Bay of Bengal, including Nepal, Thailand, India, and others, have shared interests and face similar challenges. By working together, they can better address issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and regional security.

PM Oli and Minister Rana both called for a renewed focus on regional collaboration that puts the needs of the people at the center. This would not only strengthen economic ties but also promote peace, stability, and sustainability in the region. The bilateral meetings and discussions between Nepal and Thailand are a step in the right direction, showing the commitment of both nations to work together for the betterment of their people.

The strengthening of bilateral relations between Nepal and Thailand is a promising development for both countries. With cooperation in tourism, education, energy, and culture, the potential for shared growth is significant. The joint efforts to rebuild Nepal’s cultural heritage after the 2015 earthquake have already proven the depth of the friendship between the two nations.

Looking forward, both countries will continue to explore ways to expand their cooperation, especially in the context of regional challenges. The importance of regional cooperation through organizations like BIMSTEC cannot be overstated, and it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Bay of Bengal region.

Source: Nepal Monitor