H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), along with Prof. Dr. Suntud Sirianuntapiboon, Election Commissioner, led the ECT delegation, to pay an official visit to the Russian Federation on 7-11 September 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Madam Ella A. Pamfilova, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. The main purpose of the visit was to discuss the framework for their bilateral cooperation in the areas of electoral process. This visit also provided the Election Commission an opportunity to study the management of the elections as well as the electoral technologies employed in a Mayoral Election in Moscow City and Moscow Oblast. On this occasion, both Chairpersons issued a Joint Statement on the Electoral Cooperative Framework, reaffirming their commitment to further advance their cooperation. The contents of which are as follows:

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Joint Statement of the Chairpersons of the Election Commission of Thailand and
the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation
on the Electoral Cooperative Framework
11 September 2023 in Moscow, the Russian Federation

1. At the invitation of Her Excellency Madam Ella A. Pamfilova, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand, together with Prof. Dr. Suntud Sirianuntapiboon, Election Commissioner, led a delegation to visit the Russian Federation on 7 - 11 September 2023 to get acquainted with the Russian electoral system and discuss their cooperative framework regarding the election. This visit marked a significant milestone in the already warm bilateral and long-standing relations between the two countries.
2. At the meeting on 8 September 2023 in Moscow, the two Chairpersons expressed their satisfaction over both countries’ continued commitment to further enhance cooperation on areas of mutual interest, despite the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic in the past years. The two Chairpersons also shared experiences and knowledge on the holding of their past elections and expressed their determination to establish a framework for their future cooperation regarding election issues.
3. Reaffirming their adherence to free and fair, genuine, accountable and periodic elections and referendums, the two sides reiterated the great importance they attach to the electoral and referendum processes that respect the rights and freedom of the citizens and uphold the principles of universal suffrage. The two sides also agreed to further discuss the development and utilisation of technologies in elections of all stakeholders concerned.
4. In line with these views, the two Chairpersons hereby decided to work closely together with a view to concluding a Memorandum of Understanding to promote mutual electoral cooperation and to ensure free and fair election in the two countries. They also decided that the said MOU should be finalised within a reasonable timeframe in 2024 so as not to lose momentum.
5. The two sides agreed on the continuation of cooperation to learn about various aspects of election. The two sides also accepted with appreciation the invitations to observe the Presidential Elections in Russia, scheduled for March 2024, and the Thai Senatorial selection process to be held around July 2024, respectively.

Moscow
11 September 2023