Moscow and Bangkok: A Model of Sustainable Intermunicipal Cooperation

During the “Russia–Thailand Business Dialogue” session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, delivered a keynote address. He highlighted that Moscow and Bangkok have enjoyed over 25 years of relations, serving as a model of enduring intermunicipal cooperation:

“The most recent cooperation program was signed in 2023 and remains in effect, covering a wide array of municipal areas. These include, most importantly for Bangkok, transportation development, infrastructure, digitalization, housing and utilities, the introduction of digital technologies in municipal governance, and collaboration in healthcare, education, and culture.”

Cheremin also announced plans to hold Moscow Days in Thailand in 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural and economic dialogue between the two capitals. The session participants discussed a wide range of topics—from enhancing trade and investment cooperation and removing logistical barriers to conducting transactions in national currencies and supporting joint business projects. Special emphasis was placed on Thailand’s role as a logistics and financial hub for Russia in Southeast Asia.

The partnership between Moscow and Bangkok stands as a prime example of practical city diplomacy aimed at sustainable growth, technological exchange, and humanitarian collaboration.