Vietnam, Thailand enjoy best-ever relations, aim for $50 billion trade target

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met on June 8 to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, marking a significant moment in the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations, describing them as the best they have ever been, built on a solid foundation of political trust and vibrant economic cooperation.

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The two prime ministers expressed satisfaction with the strong development of Vietnam-Thailand relations, assessing that bilateral relations are in the best stage of development ever, with a solid foundation of political trust, dynamic economic cooperation, and increasingly close people-to-people exchanges.

During their talks, the prime ministers agreed to enhance political trust through regular high-level exchanges. They also committed to bolstering defense and security cooperation, including joint maritime patrols and coordinated efforts against transnational crime. A key reaffirmation was their mutual pledge not to allow either country's territory to be used for hostile purposes against the other.

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The Thai Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at visiting Vietnam for the first time, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He affirmed that Thailand always values and wishes to continue promoting comprehensive and practical cooperation with Vietnam in all fields.

Economically, the focus was on achieving a bilateral trade target of $25 billion, with an ambition to reach $50 billion in a balanced and sustainable manner. This includes reducing trade barriers and facilitating market access for each other's goods. Cooperation is set to expand into new areas such as agriculture, food security, science, technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the green economy, including equitable energy transition and innovation.

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The two sides agreed to continue strengthening political trust through regular exchanges of delegations, high-level meetings, and contacts at all levels through all channels.

Prime Minister Hung welcomed Thai investment in Vietnam, highlighting the country's favorable business environment. Prime Minister Charnvirakul, in turn, acknowledged Vietnam's investment climate and thanked the Vietnamese government. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

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The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation, maintain joint patrols at sea, and coordinate in combating transnational crime. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment not to allow any individual or organization to use the territory of one country against the other.