Vietnam, Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation to Boost Trade and Connectivity
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, expanding market access, and striving to achieve a trade target of US$25 billion in the near future. This agreement was reached during high-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn and Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa on Monday, as part of the Thai minister’s official visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday.
Deputy PM and Minister Sơn underscored the importance of the visit in strengthening cooperation between the two countries and their respective foreign ministries, especially as Việt Nam and Thailand prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. He expressed confidence that the growing partnership would contribute significantly to regional stability and prosperity.
Thai Minister Sangiampongsa highlighted Vietnam’s strategic importance as one of Thailand’s key partners in the region and expressed a strong desire to further enhance collaboration between the two foreign ministries.
Both ministers welcomed the deepening Việt Nam-Thailand Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which continues to expand in a substantive and comprehensive manner based on mutual respect, trust, and shared benefits. They pledged to work closely to implement key bilateral cooperation initiatives and elevate their partnership to new heights.
Strengthening Economic and Trade Cooperation
The two sides agreed to intensify high-level exchanges, implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms effectively, and deepen collaboration between their foreign ministries by establishing specialized channels of communication for shared concerns.
They also committed to boosting bilateral defence and security cooperation, particularly in combating transnational and cyber crimes and preventing fraudulent labor trafficking. Furthermore, both countries reaffirmed their stance against allowing any individual or organization to use their territory to undermine the other nation.
In the economic domain, the ministers agreed to reduce trade protectionist measures and promote cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, e-commerce, and green energy. They also endorsed Thailand’s “Three Connections” strategy, which focuses on supply chain integration, business and local-level connectivity, and sustainable growth strategies.
Additionally, both sides pledged to optimize land and waterway transportation routes, increase the frequency of direct flights between Vietnam and Thailand, and explore new measures to enhance tourism cooperation, including Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative.
Expanding Cultural and Educational Ties
The discussions also emphasized collaboration in education, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Deputy PM and Minister Sơn expressed appreciation for Thailand’s support in establishing Vietnam Town in Udon Thani Province and a planned Vietnam Town in Nakhon Phanom Province.
He proposed further cooperation in preserving and promoting President Hồ Chí Minh historical sites and Vietnamese pagodas in Thailand while actively implementing Thai and Vietnamese language education programs in both countries. Additionally, both sides encouraged the development of partnerships and twinning relationships between Vietnamese and Thai provinces and cities.
Commitment to Regional and Maritime Security
Vietnam and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral and regional forums, reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality, and prioritizing sustainable development in the Mekong subregion.
Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and maritime and aviation security in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
Cultural Engagement in Hà Nội
As part of the visit, Deputy PM and Minister Sơn and his wife, along with Thai Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa and his wife, toured the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. During their visit, they enjoyed Vietnamese coffee and engaged in discussions on the cultural and culinary traditions of both nations, highlighting the rich heritage and close ties shared by Vietnam and Thailand.
The visit and discussions mark a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Thailand, paving the way for greater economic, political, and cultural cooperation in the years to come.
