Thailand a valued regional partner: President

Terming Thailand a close friend and a valued regional partner, President Pranab Mukherjee said India is keen that relations between the two countries continue to move forward with substantive contemporary content.
Welcoming Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday, Mukherjee said India has deep historical and cultural links with Thailand and attaches high priority to bilateral relations.
Calling her as a close and special friend of India, Mukherjee said the Princess has, through scholarly pursuit of Sanskrit and Pali and deep understanding of Indian culture, enriched knowledge of each other and cemented the bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.

"He thanked her for her keen interest and tireless efforts in creating a better understanding and awareness of the shared history of the two countries," a statement from the President's office said today.
"Thailand is a close friend and a valued regional partner. India is keen that bilateral relations between the two countries continue to move forward with substantive contemporary content. India welcomes more exchanges between academicians, scientists, artists, intellectuals and students of the two countries," it said quoting the President.
Mukherjee said establishment of Nalanda University is an example of possibilities for regional cooperation and India appreciates Thailand's ongoing support to the project.

"India looks at Buddhism as a common heritage of Thailand and other countries in the region," he said.
"The Princess warmly reciprocated the President's words and said she was very happy to visit Bihar and Nagaland on this trip," the statement said.