Vietnam-Thailand ties among most important strategic partnerships in region: scholar
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam is of significance as it takes place at a time when the international order is being affected by increasing geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts.
Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn (left) in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand and Vietnam have an excellent relationship which is gradually becoming one of the most impo﷽rtant strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia, said Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn.
Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Bangkok ahead of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam from May 15 to 16, Kavi affirmed that the visit is of significance as it takes place at a time when the international order is being affected by increasing geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts.
According to him, both countries can work closely together to promote multilateral trade and enhance good rules-based practices covering the economic, political, security, and socio-cultural fields.
Thailand and Vietnam are two major trade partners, both bilaterally and within ASEAN, and they are working to raise bilateral trade from 20 billion USD to 25 billion USD per year.
Kavi also said the two countries, as well as other ASEAN members, are accelerating efforts to turn ASEAN into a regional bloc that promotes peace and stability, not only in the region but also in the world that is currently facing a future with uncertainties.
Mentioning the Thai Cabinet's recent approval of 30 projects worth 16.4 billion THB (498 million USD) in the Northeast (Isaan) region, which is home to a large Vietnamese-Thai community, he said that these investments will have long-term positive impacts on cross-border trade and promote connectivity between the two countries.
The scholar held that both Thailand and Vietnam are among the strongest advocates for ASEAN's centrality and solidarity, especially in trade negotiations.
One of the agendas is to ensure that ASEAN is a driving force in multilateral trade and the international rules-based order. This is a very important point in the context of ASEAN subject to the current tariffs, he went on, adding both countries strongly support the call by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, that is ASEAN must have a common position in tariff negotiations with the US.
Kavi emphasised that Thailand and Vietnam enjoy a dynamic bilateral trade relationship, and they are also the region's two largest exporters to Europe. Therefore, the two countries need to diversify their investment and trade portfolios while continuing to invest and strengthen relations in the digital economy.
Vietnam's determination to strengthen ties with other trading partners such as the European Union (EU) and Japan shows its long-term vision in the face of the rise of protectionist policies and higher tariffs, he said.
Kavi suggested that within the framework of ASEAN, Thailand and Vietnam should consult each other on the regional economic and political situation because these two issues are increasingly linked to each other./.
This is the first visit to Vietnam by PM Paetongtarn since she took office, and also the first by a Thai Government leader in 11 years. Additionally, it marks the first Joint Cabinet Meeting between the two prime ministers in 10 years.
Hung described the visit as an important milestone, contributing to elevating the Vietnam–Thailand relations to a new height. It will help strongly reinforce political trust and mutual understanding between their leaders, presenting an opportunity to fully review cooperation areas, address obstacles, and agree on major directions and specific measures to create fresh momentum for the bilateral ties.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
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New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
