NEW DELHI, India — Speaker Jacob Oboth has held talks with a parliamentary delegation from Thailand, led by Rt Hon Sophon Sar am, Speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives, on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi.
The meeting brought together the two parliamentary delegations for discussions in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement between Uganda and Thailand.
Oboth’s participation in the engagement placed Uganda’s parliamentary leadership at the centre of discussions with international counterparts during the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which provides a platform for parliamentary representatives to interact and exchange views.
During the meeting, the Thai delegation presented Oboth with a commemorative crystal plaque and a boxed gift. The exchange of gifts and handshakes between the Speaker and his hosts reflected the cordial atmosphere surrounding the engagement.
Oboth was accompanied by members of the Ugandan delegation, who wore stoles presented to delegates by the Indian hosts. Their presence formed part of Uganda’s participation in the international parliamentary gathering in New Delhi.
The meeting also highlighted the potential to strengthen relations between Uganda and Thailand, particularly through closer diplomatic engagement and the exploration of opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Uganda and Thailand are both BRICS partner countries, a relationship that provides a platform for further engagement on shared interests. Their participation in international forums creates opportunities to discuss economic relations and identify areas where cooperation could be strengthened.
However, available trade figures point to a significant imbalance in commercial relations between the two countries. In 2023, Uganda’s exports to Thailand were valued at $0.79 million, compared with imports worth $98.2 million, mostly trucks, according to World Bank data cited by Uganda’s High Commission in Bangkok.
The difference between exports and imports highlights the potential for Uganda to explore ways of increasing its exports to the Thai market. Stronger commercial engagement could help expand opportunities for Ugandan businesses and improve the balance of trade between the two countries.
For Oboth and the Ugandan delegation, the engagement provided an opportunity to interact with Thailand’s parliamentary leadership at an international forum. Such meetings can contribute to maintaining diplomatic relations and opening conversations on areas of mutual interest.
The key opportunity now lies in translating the goodwill demonstrated during the meeting into stronger bilateral engagement and expanded trade. With Uganda and Thailand both participating as BRICS partner countries, closer cooperation could provide a foundation for exploring practical ways to strengthen their economic relationship.
