Continue to further promote the good relationship foundation, ...

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Thai Ambassador Nikorndej Balankura. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

At the reception, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated the Ambassador on his excellent performance in his term of office and his active contributions to the development of the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership in recent times; hoping that in his new position, the Ambassador will continue to pay attention and contribute to promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador were pleased to note that the Vietnam-Thailand Strategic Partnership has developed very well in recent times, deepening in all areas, with political and diplomatic trust being strengthened, trade and investment constantly growing, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges taking place vigorously. In particular, the two countries have actively coordinated in the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the past 10 years, bilateral trade turnover has increased from 10.4 billion USD in 2013 to nearly 19 billion USD in 2023. Notably, in 2022, the total import-export turnover between the two countries reached 21.6 billion USD, surpassing the 20 billion USD mark for the first time. Thailand continues to be Vietnam's largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Regarding investment, Thailand's investment rate in Vietnam is always the highest in Southeast Asia and currently ranks 9th out of 144 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with 715 valid projects and a total registered capital of 13.7 billion USD. In particular, the Southern Petrochemical Project of SCG Group in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is about to be completed and inaugurated in 2024, this is one of the key projects of Thai investors in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister thanked Thailand for creating favorable conditions to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural values in Thailand, including President Ho Chi Minh relic sites and the first Vietnamese street in the world recognized by the local government in Thailand, creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Thailand to live, work and study, and promoting the role of a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

View of the reception. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

The Prime Minister suggested that the Thai side coordinate closely to best prepare for the Thai Prime Minister's official visit to Vietnam and the 4th Joint Cabinet meeting to discuss in depth measures to further promote the foundation of good relations and enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The Prime Minister suggested that the two countries cooperate to promote their complementary economic advantages; promote bilateral trade turnover to soon reach the target of 25 billion USD in a balanced direction. The Vietnamese Government encourages and creates favorable conditions for Thai enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister also suggested that the two sides continue to strengthen infrastructure connectivity, especially transportation and e-commerce; cooperate in responding to climate change, digital transformation, and green transformation; share experiences and cooperate in tourism, especially the "one route, many destinations" model connecting 3 or 4 countries in the region, connecting people, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and sports cooperation.

The Prime Minister suggested that the two sides continue to coordinate, consult and support each other at multilateral forums; maintain solidarity and promote ASEAN's central role; cooperate in developing the Mekong sub-region, and manage and sustainably use the Mekong River's water resources. The Prime Minister asked Thailand to support and attend the "ASEAN Future Forum on Rapid and Sustainable Development, with People at the Center" to be hosted by Vietnam soon.

The Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for taking the time to meet him and the Vietnamese agencies for creating favorable conditions for him to fulfill his duties; highly appreciated Vietnam for overcoming challenges and achieving many important achievements in recent years; affirmed that the potential for cooperation between the two countries is still very large, especially in trade and investment, with Thailand wishing to become a leading investor in Vietnam.

The Ambassador said that 2024 is an important year in bilateral relations with many high-level visits; affirmed that he considers Vietnam as his second homeland with good impressions, sincere feelings and that no matter what position he holds, he will continue to foster the relationship between the two countries, especially the contents that the Prime Minister has commented on.

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