Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of ForeignAffairs Bui Thanh Son’s official visit to Thailand from April 10 to 12 isimportant to promoting the two countries’ strategic partnership as well astheir foreign ministries’ cooperation, thus consolidating the foundation forelevating bilateral ties to a new level, a diplomat has said.

During this visit, Son will also co-chair the fifth meeting ofthe countries’ Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Chargé d’affaires a.i. ofVietnam in Thailand Bui Thi Hue said the two countries marked the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2023. Over the past years,bilateral relations have been reinforced and growing fast and practically inall fields with profound political trust and the cooperation in economy - trade- investment and security - defence among bright spots.

Shenoted that they jointly built an action plan for implementing the enhancedstrategic partnership, established in 2015, for the 2022 - 2027 period thatserves as a solid foundation for bolstering ties in all key areas.
           
Thailand wishes to continue expanding cooperation andfriendship with Vietnam, which could be seen in the maintenance of high-levelmeetings and important cooperation mechanisms. It also respects Vietnam’s rolein the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and supports manyinitiatives by Vietnam at regional and international forums, Hue went on.

Thailand is currently the biggest trade partner of Vietnamin ASEAN, with bilateral trade approximating 19 billion USD in 2023. Having pouredover 14 billion USD into 750 projects, it ranks ninth among the 144 foreigninvestors and second among the ASEAN investors in Vietnam, statistics show.

Besides, connections in other fields such as security -defence, culture, and education have also reaped practical results, sheremarked, describing the Vietnam - Thailand relations as not only multifacetedbut also very close.

At the fifth meeting of the Joint Committee onBilateral Cooperation, the diplomat added, the two sides will discuss measuresfor fostering ties across the board, from politics - diplomacy and economy -trade - investment to security - defence, on the basis of the action plan forimplementing the enhanced strategic partnership 2022 - 2027.

They will also look into the implementation of the “ThreeConnections” initiative to ensure mutual benefits, with a focus on digitaltransformation, green transition, and circular economy to boost the twoeconomies’ connectivity.

In addition, the meeting will also discuss preparations for acoming official visit to Vietnam by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, whowill also co-chair the fourth joint cabinet meeting during the trip.

With continually strengthened cooperation in various areas,bilateral relations are developing well and boast much development potential inthe future, Hue stated./.