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| At the talks between Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha. Photo: VNA |
During an international press conference following their talks, Prime Minister Prayuth emphasized the significance of President Phuc’s official visit to Thailand as it marks the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.
Both Thailand and Vietnam are key players in the regional economy and trade, with significant scale and development potential. They have a trade and investment network that connects the two countries, Prime Minister Prayuth said, according to VietnamPlus.
The two sides agreed to strengthen their economic cooperation to drive socio-economic recovery in both countries and the region. This includes focusing on areas such as trade, investment, transportation, and digital economy development, the Prime Minister added.
Furthermore, Vietnam and Thailand will collaborate to implement a more efficient and expedited electronic payment system for goods and services between the two countries. They also aim to remove trade barriers and promote import-export activities, particularly for agricultural products, spare parts, equipment, and medicines.
In terms of security-defense cooperation, both nations plan to enhance their coordination, especially in areas such as cyber and transnational security. They will also work closely together in regional and international forums to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Thai side, including Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, in the fruitful development of bilateral relations.
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| The two leaders witness the signing of cooperation documents. Photo: VNA |
During the talks, both sides agreed to strengthen political understanding and trust through high-level and all-level exchanges. They plan to organize a joint cabinet meeting co-chaired by the two countries’ Prime Ministers and other bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Effective implementation of the Action Programme for the 2022-2027 period, as well as previously signed agreements in various fields, will also be prioritized.
Vietnam and Thailand aim to increase two-way trade to $25-30 billion by 2025 in a balanced and sustainable manner. They will facilitate the exchange of goods and services and create favorable conditions for businesses to expand their investment and cooperation, including in emerging areas such as the digital economy, green growth, and sustainable development, President Phuc stated.
Key areas of enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries will include infrastructure connectivity, agriculture, development assistance, labor, culture, tourism, business, people-to-people exchange, and cooperation between localities, he added.
Both sides have also agreed to provide favorable conditions for expatriates to live, study, and do business in each other’s territories while complying with local laws.
President Phuc expressed Vietnam’s strong support for Thailand’s chairmanship of APEC in 2022. He also stated that the two sides will work together to promote a united and resilient ASEAN, uphold ASEAN’s central role, and maintain a common stance on the South China Sea (Bien Dong Sea) to ensure peace, stability, safety, security, freedom of navigation, and aviation in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Cooperation in the Mekong Sub-region, with a focus on balanced and sustainable growth, was also highlighted as important by both sides.
President Phuc, accompanied by his spouse and a high-ranking delegation from Vietnam, arrived in Bangkok on the same day for an official visit to Thailand and to attend the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, as reported by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper.
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| President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (second from left ) his spouse (first, left) and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (second from right) and his spouse. (Photo: VNA) |
During the visit from November 16 to 19, President Phuc and his spouse are scheduled to meet the King and Queen of Thailand, hold talks with the Thai Prime Minister, witness the signing of cooperation documents, meet with other Thai leaders, and receive representatives from friendship organizations and large enterprises.
Additionally, President Phuc will participate in a Vietnam-Thailand business forum and several trade and investment promotion activities between the two countries.
As part of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Phuc will attend the CEO Summit, important sessions of the event, and engage in bilateral meetings with APEC leaders and guests.
The Vietnamese delegation will also take part in all major activities of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and meet with important partners and major businesses in the region.
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