Russian Consulate General opens on Phuket Island in Thailand

PHUKET. July 17 (Interfax) - The Consulate General of the Russian Federation has opened on the Phuket Island on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the opening ceremony.

Lavrov noted in his speech that there has been "a steady trend in the growth of the tourist flow from Russia to Thailand" after the resumption of flights.

He said he is convinced that the number of Russians visiting Thailand would only grow.

"Today, my counterpart, the foreign minister of Thailand, and I discussed the steps needed to be taken to ensure that cards of the Mir payment system would be used here without any issues. It will give an additional momentum to the growth of the tourist flow," Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign minister named the opening of the consulate general "a very important, but not the final step to expand [Russia's] diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia."

Russia plans "opening its missions in other countries of the region friendly to us as well," he said.

Lavrov pointed out that Thailand creates good conditions for Russians residing there.

"It is so good to see that our culture, our traditions, songs and dances are in demand [here]. And I am really glad that Thailand is one of the countries where, as far as I know, good conditions are created for our compatriots. But when - and it's inevitable - some situations happen, and we have to get people out of quite a plight, this beautiful building is populated with people qualified for his purpose," he said at a meeting with Russian compatriots at the Russian Consulate General in Phuket.

"I hope that we can discuss now the specific issues which would already be useful for us in organizing the work to meet the needs and interests of our citizens and not just our citizens, actually everyone who wants to support and promote our relations with Thailand," Lavrov said.