Chittagong, Dec 13: The prime ministers of Bangladesh and Thailand on Thursday launched a new air route between the two Asian countries aiming to boost trade and tourism, officials said. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her Thai counterpart Thaksin Shinawatra officially announced the new Thai Airways flight between the southeastern port city of Chittagong and the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai at a colourful ceremony here.

"The launching of this new route between Chittagong and Chiang Mai will not only benefit the people of the two countries, but also other countries of the region," Thaksin said.

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As a smiling Zia looked on, he added: "A long-cherished dream has come true today with the opening of the new route. Trade and tourism will get a boost now."

The other highlight of the ceremony was a traditional Thai dance at the colourfully decorated Shah Amanat International Airport. Bureau Report