During their talks, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Nguyen Phu Trong decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership to open up new prospects for closer cooperation, for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region, as well as a united and strong ASEAN Community.

To this end, both leaders agreed to forge a Strategic Partnership in politics, defence and security, economics, and social, cultural and international cooperation.

They discussed the current status and prospects for Thailand - Viet Nam relations and committed to expanding cooperation in every field to strengthen ties and friendship between both countries and in the region as a whole.

They then agreed to encourage a closer interaction between the political parties of Thailand and Viet Nam, including information sharing, leadership and experiences in governance. Their ideas included fostering political dialogue at various levels, especially the highest level and promoting the exchange of the younger generations of both countries.

To implement the Strategic Partnership, the two leaders agreed to assign their Foreign Ministries to liaise with other ministries and agencies to draw up Plans of Action in the above-mentioned areas, to be discussed at the inaugural Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, being co-chaired by both Foreign Ministers.

The two leaders committed to deepening their countries’ cooperation to build a united, cohesive and strong ASEAN Community and strengthen ASEAN frameworks including ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting. They also agreed to promote consultation and cooperation at sub-regional, regional and international forums.

They also agreed to work together closely to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea; enhancing mutual trust and confidence through maritime cooperation and security, including the freedom of navigation and over-flights. Exercising self-restraint and refraining from using force were also highlighted as well as resolving disputes by peaceful means according to international laws, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the DOC and working towards adopting the COC.

Both leaders noted the need to enhance cooperation when implementing measures to protect transnational water resources for sustainable development and to conduct comprehensive research on the sustainability of the Mekong River’s water resources.

Party chief meets leaders

During meetings in Bangkok yesterday, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and leaders from the Thai legislative body agreed that the establishment of the Viet Nam - Thailand strategic partnership has opened up a new chapter in the friendly and cooperative ties that both countries have forged over the years.

Trong and the Thai President of the National Assembly (NA) cum Speaker of the House of Representative Somsak Kiatsuranont and Senate President Nikom Wairatpanij agreed that the partnership will lay a firm foundation for both countries to deepen cooperation, both bilaterally and in multilateral frameworks.

General Secretary Trong welcomed cooperation between the two legislative bodies in practical and appropriate forms, including maintaining the annual exchange of visits to enhance mutual trust and understanding, boosting cooperation by monitoring the implementation of signed agreements and treaties, and supporting each other at regional forums.

Both host and guest said they believed that ASEAN member nations will enhance current levels of solidarity, cooperation, and work closer together to deal with international and regional issues.

Trong also called upon his hosts to help improve conditions for Vietnamese people living in Thailand, who he said serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Later the same day, Abhisit Vejjajiva, chairman of the Democratic Party of Thailand (DPT) and a former Thai Prime Minister talked to Trong about fostering relations between the DPT and CPV and the two nations in general, during his courtesy call to the CPV General Secretary.

Thai investment

During his meeting with representatives from leading Thai enterprises in Bangkok, Trong stated that Viet Nam welcomes Thai businesses and always tries its best to facilitate their long-term investments and operations in the country.

He informed them of Viet Nam’s policies to attract investment and further Viet Nam - Thailand investment and trade ties.

He suggested that both parties make full use of the Joint Committee on Trade to step up bilateral trade and investment, including finance, agricultural products and a range of exports.

Trong added that both countries should enhance coordination between business organisations and the role of both countries’ Business Councils to tap into the potential their economic cooperation creates.

Earlier the same day, Thammasat University awarded an honorary doctorate in politics to General Secretary Trong.

Also within the framework of Party General Secretary Trong’s visit, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received the President of the Amata Vikrom Group. The Deputy PM urged the group to expand its operations in Viet Nam, particularly in hi-tech and the development of smart cities, which could lift two-way trade to 15 billion USD by 2020.

Later that afternoon, Viet Nam’s low-cost carrier VietJet Air announced the new direct routes to Thailand and signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand’s Kan Air on setting up an aviation joint-venture in Thailand.