Vietnam, Thailand seek stronger cooperation

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (R) receives Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra in Hanoi November 30, 2011 (Photo: Vietnam News Agency)

Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra made this affirmation during their talks in Hanoi on November. 30.

The two sides should promote their developing relations, particularly in trade, investment, education and training, health and agriculture, the two PMs said.

They discussed a number of measures to increase bilateral cooperation in various areas, including the implementation of existing cooperative mechanisms in bilateral, regional and international frameworks, such as joint sea patrols, fighting crimes, rice production and business.

Both PMs agreed to assign the two countries’ relevant agencies to convene a joint cabinet meeting soon.

They asked the relevant ministries and agencies to promptly realise the contents of the two PMs’ discussions to translate these talks into specific cooperative activities in various fields.

PM Dung said Vietnam encourages Thai businesses to invest in the country, especially in central provinces and engage in projects along the East-West Corridor.

He asked the two countries and concerned countries in the Mekong River Commission to work closely in utilising the Mekong River’s natural resources in an effective and sustainable manner for the common benefit and sustainable development of countries in the region.

He took this opportunity to request Thai authorities at levels to continue creating conditions for the Vietnamese community to live stable lives in Thailand and serve as a bridge to boost friendly cooperation between the two countries.

PM Dung congratulated Yingluck on her election as the first female prime minister of Thailand and said her visit to Vietnam will contribute to the Vietnam-Thailand traditional friendship.

He said he believed that under the leadership of the Thai Government headed by PM Yingluck, Thailand would continue to develop a greater role and position in the region and the international arena.

PM Yingluck thanked Vietnam for its valuable assistance to Thailand during its recent historic floods.

She asked the two sides to simplify procedures to accelerate exchange of goods and tourism between the two countries.

The Thai Government is willing to cooperate with Vietnam in energy development, rice export and tourism, she affirmed.

The Thai PM asked the two countries to promptly complete a transport route between Vietnam, Laos and Thailand and effectively implement cooperative mechanisms in the sub-region.

She invited PM Dung to visit Thailand and PM Dung accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Also the same day, President Truong Tan Sang received PM Yingluck, describing her visit to Vietnam as a vivid manifestation of Vietnam-Thailand neighbourliness and multifaceted cooperation.

PM Yingluck explained the outcomes of her talks with PM Dung, affirming that the two sides agreed to assign their diplomatic agencies, in collaboration with ministries and departments, to implement joint commitments.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra paid a one-day visit to Vietnam on November. 30 after she assumed office, in line with ASEAN practice.