Việt Nam, Thailand to expand cooperation, mull resuming flights
HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh and his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai exchanged views on cooperation between Việt Nam and Thailand during a virtual talk on Thursday.
Don extended congratulations from the Thai government to Việt Nam on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of National Day of Việt Nam (September 2), saying Thailand attaches importance to continuously consolidating and developing the bilateral friendship.
Hailing Việt Nam’s great efforts in the fight against COVID-19, the Thai Deputy PM expressed his belief that the country will continue to keep the pandemic under control while successfully performing its socio-economic development tasks.
He stressed that Việt Nam, as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has successfully organised ASEAN meetings, and maintained and promoted cooperation within the grouping, as well as collaboration between ASEAN and partners.
Minh, in reply, thanked Thailand for its support and coordination, and pledged to facilitate the entry of foreign investors, experts, managers and skilled labourers, including those from Thailand, and consider resuming flights between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to increase all-level meetings and visits when possible, and work together in organising activities marking the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2021.
They will also maintain and make full use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the organisation of the fourth joint cabinet meeting at a suitable time, and the signing of an action plan to implement the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries during the 2021-25 period.
The two sides will work to raise bilateral trade to US$20 million per year as targeted, and soon sign a new labour agreement.
Việt Nam would create favourable conditions for Thailand to invest in the areas of its strength like maritime tourism, garment-textile, footwear, high-tech agriculture, and support industry, and consider the possibility of resuming flights between the two countries, Minh said.
Don expressed his hope for more Vietnamese investments in Thailand, saying Thailand will continue to encourage and make it easier for Thai investors to invest in Việt Nam.
The two sides consented to expand cooperation in other areas such as education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange. — VNS