Bringing Vietnam-Thailand relations to a new level, substantive and effective

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. (Photo: Getty Images/VNA)

At the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh , Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead a high-ranking delegation from the Royal Thai Government to pay an official visit to Vietnam and co-chair the 4th meeting of the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet from May 15-16.

On this occasion, VNA reporters in Bangkok interviewed Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung about the significance of the visit, strengths in the two countries' relations and ways to promote bilateral relations.

- Could you please tell us the significance of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to the Vietnam-Thailand relationship at the present stage?

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung: This is the first official visit to Vietnam by a Thai Prime Minister in 11 years since the visit of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014, taking place at a time when the two countries are looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (1976-2026), an important milestone in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In the context of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand continuing to develop well, comprehensively and increasingly in depth in all fields, the visit will be an important occasion for both sides to continue to develop that relationship to a new height, more substantive and effective.

- Could you please tell us what issues will be the focus of Prime Minister Paetongtarn's visit?

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung: During the visit, the two sides will hold the 4th Joint Cabinet Meeting, a mechanism with a very special name that demonstrates high interest and common determination to develop bilateral relations.

Under the co-chairmanship and direct guidance of the two Prime Ministers, the two sides will review and resolve emerging issues and determine directions for cooperation in all fields.

In terms of politics and diplomacy, the two sides will focus on discussing measures to continue strengthening political trust, exchanging delegations and cooperation between all Party, Government, National Assembly and local channels, and closely coordinating at regional and international forums, especially within the framework of ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung. (Photo: Huy Tien/VNA)

Regarding economics, trade and investment, the two sides will review the progress of implementing plans and initiatives in this field, including the “Three Connectivity” initiative, and promote measures to expand cooperation, aiming to increase bilateral trade turnover to 25 billion USD in the coming time in a balanced and sustainable manner; attracting Thai investment in Vietnam’s priority areas.

Regarding culture, education and people-to-people exchange, the two sides will discuss measures to connect localities, as well as enhance cultural and tourism exchange activities, creating a sustainable social foundation for friendly relations between the two countries.

- Besides the issues that the Ambassador just mentioned, according to the Ambassador, in the coming time, are there any new areas where the two countries have great room and potential for cooperation?

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung: In addition to traditional cooperation areas that have achieved many positive results, in the coming time, Vietnam and Thailand have a lot of room to expand cooperation in a number of new areas, in line with current development trends and development strategies of each country such as: digital transformation and digital economy; renewable energy and green growth...

- What does the Ambassador expect from the results of Prime Minister Paetongtarn's visit this time?

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung: This official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will mark an important milestone, contributing to bringing Vietnam-Thailand relations to a new height, helping to strongly consolidate political trust and mutual understanding between the two countries' senior leaders, and is an opportunity for the two sides to comprehensively review all areas of cooperation, remove obstacles, agree on major orientations and specific measures, creating new momentum for bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

The cooperation documents expected to be signed by the two sides will create a new foundation for cooperation between localities, businesses, and social organizations as well as strengthen connections between the two peoples, contributing to firmly consolidating the foundation of friendship and further deepening cooperation in all fields.

Thank you, Ambassador!

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dua-quan-he-viet-nam-thai-lan-len-tam-cao-moi-thuc-chat-va-hieu-qua-post1038173.vnp