Hanoi: The Prime Minister of Thailand is set to visit Hanoi on May 15-16 for a pivotal joint meeting between Thailand and Vietnam, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in politics, economy, and innovation in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Government Spokesman Mr. Jirayu Huangsap announced that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, will embark on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This visit marks her first official trip to Hanoi, where she will meet with H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, during the 4th Thailand-Vietnam Joint Meeting (JCR). The goal of the visit is to elevate Thai-Vietnamese relations to the level of ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, the highest level of relations that Vietnam maintains with its dialogue partners.
During this significant diplomatic engagement, several important documents are expected to be signed. Among them is the Joint Statement on Upgrading Thailand-Vietnam Relations
to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This document outlines the shared intention of both nations to enhance cooperation across three main pillars: Partnership for Sustainable Peace, Partnership for Sustainable Growth, and Partnership for a Sustainable Future. These pillars cover areas such as political, defense, and security collaboration, economic cooperation, and advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam will be revised to bolster economic and trade cooperation. This includes facilitating trade, removing non-tariff barriers, linking supply chains, and promoting agricultural and food trade, border trade, and joint investment between the private sectors of both countries. Mr. Jirayu emphasized that this agreement is crucial for driving the goal of increasing bilateral trade value to US$25 billion sustainably and balancedly.
The revised MOU also emphasizes
cooperation in digital and technology sectors, development of SMEs, and exchange of knowledge on the green economy. It aims to promote the meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade (JTC) and establish a joint working group at the official level to push for concrete cooperation projects and regular exchange of information and trade concerns.
Mr. Jirayu highlighted that amidst global economic and political volatility, Thailand and Vietnam are committed to strengthening their relationship through this comprehensive strategic partnership. This initiative aims to achieve economic and trade goals while collaborating with ASEAN to address global trade challenges, such as those posed by high import tariffs from the United States.