Bangkok: Thailand and Vietnam celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations by signing four cooperation agreements, moving forward to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership. Meanwhile, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to increase trade value to reach US$25 billion.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Minister of Interior, and President To Len of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, witnessed the exchange of four documents. The first document outlines an action plan for a comprehensive partnership between Thailand and Vietnam from 2026 to 2031. The second is a diplomatic letter between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, confirming their roles as key agencies responsible for implementing and coordinating cooperation under the agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The third is a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in developing an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center at U-Tapao International Airport between the Eastern Economic Corridor O ffice (EEC) and Vietjet Group. Finally, the fourth is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Academy of Public Administration and Management and Khon Kaen University.
Following this, the Prime Minister of Thailand and the President of Vietnam jointly unveiled a symbol celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam. Afterward, the two leaders held a joint press conference. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Minister of Interior, stated that the Thai government was delighted to welcome the Vietnamese President on this official visit, the first such visit by his government. He considered it a great honor, especially as it coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai-Vietnamese relations this year, and notably the official unveiling of the symbol.
Given the high growth potential of both Thailand and Vietnam, this visit provides an opportunity to jointly define a comprehensive strategic partnership that will yield concrete results and truly benefit the people of both countries. The signing of this action plan and the open and frank exchange of views today resulted in a consensus to advance cooperation in all dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership, including: Security and politics: Both countries agreed to enhance military cooperation and the prevention of transnational crime, particularly online scams, and the suppression of illegal fishing. They also reiterated the principle that no individual should use each other's territory for political activities and emphasized the serious implementation of ASEAN extradition treaties. Economically, both countries agreed that Thailand and Vietnam must cooperate more closely to address the volatility and uncertainty of the current global economic situation. They will prioritize promoting cooperation a mong the private sectors of both countries. Finally, they agreed to work closely together to achieve the trade target of US$25 billion per year as soon as possible. Currently, it is at US$24 billion per year, a target that seems achievable, and they intend to continue discussions to further increase the value of trade. And just a moment ago, Vietjet, at its EEC office in Thailand, signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of an aircraft maintenance center in the country's EEC area.
The Prime Minister further stated that today's discussions focused on promoting connectivity under the "3 Connect" strategy to enhance the competitiveness of both countries. This includes: 1. Connecting supply chains and production chains in future industries; 2. Connecting local economies; and 3. Connecting green strategic points. Emphasis will be placed on cooperation to strengthen energy security and on collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. Thailand is ready to learn about space technology, such as satellites and biotechnology. On this occasion, discussions were also held regarding various international and regional situations. The Prime Minister proposed to Vietnam that, as the two countries have the largest economies in the Mekong sub-region, they can play a joint role in driving development in the region. He believes that today's discussions will further strengthen Thai-Vietnamese relations through close cooperation between the government and the private sector, for the benefit of the pe ople of both countries.
Then, Mr. To Lam stated that he was pleased to visit Thailand in his capacity as Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He thanked the Thai leaders, the Prime Minister and his wife, for the warm welcome, expressing his great honor and gratitude. He noted that this visit was particularly significant as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, demonstrating the trust and confidence between the two nations as members of ASEAN. Mr. To Lam added that, in a warm and trusting atmosphere, he and the Thai Prime Minister had successful discussions with significant and tangible results across various areas. These included developing relations in defense and security, and promoting economic, trade, and investment ties-are strengths of both countries. He also noted that people-to-people cooperation within ASEAN has become even stronger. Based on this, they held further in-depth discussions to promote concrete and effective cooperation in all areas.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen trust and promote high-level exchanges across all agencies to enhance cooperation mechanisms in defense, security, and the prevention and suppression of transnational crime, including human trafficking and drug trafficking. They also agreed that no individual should use another country's territory to attack another. Furthermore, they promoted trade valued at US$25 billion to support and enhance the 3 Connect strategy and foster potential development areas such as clean energy, green energy, agriculture, and advanced technologies. This aims to improve infrastructure connectivity between the two countries, particularly in the Mekong River basin and the East-West economic corridor, facilitating the transportation of goods and promoting cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Vietnamese President also thanked and praised the cooperation of the Thai government and the Vietnamese people residing in Thailand. He noted the importance of this cooperation between the two countries in fostering friendship and closeness between their peoples, and in addressing various situations in the region and around the world. He affirmed Thailand's crucial role in maintaining unity and centrality within ASEAN, and agreed to promote the resolution of issues of mutual interest for peace, freedom, and security, including freedom of the air and the East Sea. He also agreed to resolve issues peacefully based on international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, and commended Thailand and Cambodia for adhering to the ceasefire agreement and for resuming negotiations.