A statement posted on its Facebook page followed a meeting in Moscow between Mr Patrushev and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to discuss prospects for expanding mutual supplies of agricultural products and food, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Patrushev said Thailand is a longstanding partner of Russia in Southeast Asia. As the two countries mark the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both sides are seeking to strengthen political, trade and economic cooperation, he said.
He added that the meeting would provide fresh momentum for the further development of bilateral ties.
He said bilateral trade in agricultural products and food rose by more than 15% last year, expressing confidence that Russia could further expand exports to Thailand.
The supply of mineral fertilisers to Thailand was also discussed during the meeting.
Last week, Mr Suriya said he would visit Russia to negotiate a deal with suppliers under a plan to import up to 2 million tonnes of chemical fertiliser.
The minister said securing imports from Russia would help stabilise fertiliser prices and ensure sufficient supply for the next planting season.
FERTILISER FOCUS
Mr Suriya said bilateral trade between Thailand and Russia has been steadily increasing, currently valued at approximately US$1.6 billion, but noted that this figure falls short of its full potential, noted a report by the Thai PR Department (PRD).
Mr Suriya stressed that there remains considerable scope for growth, particularly in the agricultural and food sectors, the report said.
A key outcome of the discussions was Thailand’s request to import urea fertiliser from Russia. The Kingdom is seeking an annual quota of between one and 2mn tonnes at a “friendly price”, with specifications for granular fertiliser measuring 2.5-5 millimetres.
Mr Suriya said that, if approved, Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will coordinate closely with the Russian Embassy in Bangkok to facilitate business matching between private sector stakeholders from both countries. The goal is to enable exports to commence as early as May 2026.
To support the initiative, Mr Suriya also proposed the creation of a bilateral working group comprising representatives from both governments. The group will address technical, scientific and trade-related issues concerning key products, with a target of resolving outstanding matters within three months to streamline import and export processes.
Mr Patrushev confirmed that Russia had agreed to establish the joint working group, describing it as a mechanism to support the long-term expansion of trade between the two nations.
He added that Russia is well positioned to meet Thailand’s fertiliser demand, noting that the country produces both mixed mineral fertilisers and nitrogen-based fertilisers, including urea, and is “ready” to export to Thailand.
Russian fertiliser producers PhosAgro and UralChem have already expressed interest in supplying the Thai market, particularly through long-term contracts.
Details regarding pricing and product specifications will be finalised through direct negotiations between private sector representatives from both countries, with support from diplomatic channels. Russian Ambassador to Thailand Yevgeny Tomikhin will continue to act as the coordinator for the Russian side.
Officials on both sides say the agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening agricultural cooperation and unlocking further trade potential between Thailand and Russia.