Bangkok Council & Moscow Sign Smart City Pact in Russia

The Bangkok Metropolitan Council and the Moscow City Duma have signed a memorandum of cooperation in Moscow, strengthening ties on smart city development, transport infrastructure and urban innovation. The agreement follows a high-level visit by a Bangkok delegation and is intended to deepen practical collaboration between the two capital cities. Officials said the move marks a step forward in long-standing sister city relations.

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A delegation led by Bangkok Metropolitan Council President Wiphut Sriwaurai visited the Moscow City Duma. The visit included a session where the Bangkok delegation became the first foreign group to address the 8th plenary session of the Moscow legislature. Wiphut also held talks with Moscow City Duma Chairman Aleksey Shaposhnikov during the trip.

Shaposhnikov said Moscow places importance on cooperation with Bangkok, noting similarities between the two large capitals, including population size, complex transport systems and major infrastructure challenges. He said these shared characteristics make the partnership particularly meaningful. Wiphut said the visit was not only a study trip but an opportunity to build concrete cooperation and improve quality of life in both cities.

Both sides identified key areas for collaboration, including transport systems, infrastructure development, smart city technology, education and public health. They also agreed to exchange knowledge and technical experience to support sustainable urban development. The cooperation builds on a sister city agreement first signed in 1997 between the two capitals.

Naewna reported that following discussions, both councils agreed to continue developing joint initiatives and practical projects. The signed memorandum is expected to guide future exchanges between officials and technical experts. Further meetings and programme development are planned to translate the agreement into operational outcomes.

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 1 May 2026