Bangkok, Oct 09: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has regretted that the South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement languished because of the "unreasonable obstructions" of one country, an indirect reference to Pakistan, but expressed confidence that the proposed India-Thailand Free Trade Agreement would be successful in meeting its objectives. "The India-Thailand FTA looks like it will work, while the South Asia Preferential Trading Arrangement has not seen real progress solely because of the unreasonable obstructions of one south Asian country," Vajpayee told local newspaper 'Nation' in an interview.
He said deepening and broadening all-sided ties between India and Thailand would serve as a factor for prosperity, stability and peace in Asia besides being mutually beneficial.
Vajpayee said similarities between Thailand and India were rooted in history.
"Our ties are rooted in a shared cultural and spiritual heritage enriched by the legends of Ramayana and the immortal teachings of the Buddha," he told the local daily.
Bureau Report