12-4-2024 (BANGKOK) In a move aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors, Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The announcement was made during the 5th Joint Commission on Thailand-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation held in Bangkok on Thursday.
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, who co-chaired the meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, hailed the decision as a significant milestone. “Thailand will become the first ASEAN nation to establish such a strategic partnership with Vietnam,” he stated. “As Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we have committed to working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity not just within our borders but across the entire region.”
Discussions during the meeting centred on various trade facilitation measures, including increasing import quotas for livestock and implementing mutual recognition arrangements for seasonal local products from both countries. This move aims to enhance market access and bolster economic ties between the two nations.
According to Minister Parnpree, Thailand is currently the 9th largest foreign investor in Vietnam, while Vietnam is an emerging investor in Thailand. “There is a growing trust between our countries, evident at all levels and through various channels,” he remarked.
Minister Son echoed these sentiments, stating, “Economically, bilateral trade between Thailand and Vietnam exceeded 20 billion baht (approximately £460 million) in 2022. Thailand ranks 9th out of 144 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, and within the region, our two countries have the largest number of sister provinces.”
The ministers agreed to further promote investments in both directions, with a focus on connecting supply chains, local economies, and sustainable development strategies. Cooperation in emerging areas such as science, technology, the green economy, circular economy, digital economy, innovation ecosystem development, equitable energy transition, e-government, cyber security, and smart cities was also emphasised.
Minister Son highlighted plans to strengthen educational and cultural ties, promote historical and cultural values, and connect tourism initiatives, including sustainable tourism models. “We will also work together under the concept ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ to promote the region as a safe destination for solo travellers,” he added.
Efforts to improve transportation and connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through air, land, and sea routes are also in the pipeline.
Minister Parnpree underscored the importance of fostering local-to-local partnerships to ensure mutual benefits for businesses and improve livelihoods in both countries.
Both nations share the view that ASEAN should accelerate cooperation in areas such as digitalisation, green economy, and sustainability. They also pledged to strengthen coordination to promote development in the Mekong sub-region, particularly through the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).
Regarding the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam expressed a shared desire for a peaceful, stable, and unified Myanmar. Concerns were raised over the deteriorating situation along the Thai-Myanmar border, and both sides agreed on the urgent need for an ASEAN joint statement addressing the current circumstances.
Minister Son emphasised the commitment to strengthening and deepening the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries through high-level exchanges, engagement at all levels, and bilateral cooperation mechanisms. He also affirmed their intention to support Laos as the current ASEAN chair, implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and bolster ASEAN’s centrality and unity in addressing regional issues, including the South China Sea and the Myanmar crisis.
“I am fully confident that the excellent outcome of this meeting will play a crucial role in advancing, broadening, deepening, and adding substance to the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples,” Minister Son remarked.
Minister Parnpree echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am confident that the relationship between our two countries has sufficiently matured for a new chapter of a deeper, more comprehensive partnership.”
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the “extremely frank, effective, and concrete” discussions, paving the way for a closer and more comprehensive relationship between Thailand and Vietnam.
