Hanoi: Thai Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr. Pham Minh Chinh jointly witnessed the exchange of eight significant agreements aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors. The agreements, signed at the Government Palace in Hanoi, include initiatives to combat drug trafficking and promote economic connectivity, targeting a trade goal of 25 billion US dollars between the two nations.
According to Thai News Agency, the agreements cover a range of areas, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Economic and Trade Cooperation between Thailand's Ministry of Trade and Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as initiatives for intercepting narcotics and dismantling international drug trafficking networks. Other agreements involve financial support for green businesses and technology industries, academic cooperation in semiconductor training, and investment plans in Vietnam's provinces.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Shinawatra expressed gratitude for the warm reception on her first official visit to Vietnam and highlighted the elevation of Thailand and Vietnam's relationship to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. This development marks a significant milestone amid global uncertainties.
The leaders agreed to promote regular high-level visits and discussed security cooperation, focusing on combating drug-related crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. They also emphasized the need for enhanced economic connectivity through the 'Three Connects' plan, aiming to expedite the achievement of their trade target and facilitate agricultural and livestock product trade.
In logistics and transportation, a direct flight route between Vietnam and Thailand's northeastern region was announced, alongside plans to boost land and water travel efficiency. The leaders also agreed to foster cooperation in the digital economy, cross-border payments, and tourism between the two nations.
The Prime Ministers underscored the importance of human resource development in STEM, AI, and semiconductors, with the Thai leader praising collaboration between Vietnam's FPT University and Thailand's Khon Kaen University. Additionally, they pledged to support regional cooperation, particularly within ASEAN, to address regional issues like the situation in Myanmar.
The visit concluded with an invitation to the Vietnamese Prime Minister to attend the Mekong-Lancang Summit in Thailand and celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.