Since it was established two years ago, Thailand and Vietnam’s strategic partnership is going strong and both the countries noted efficient cooperation. Vietnamese PM, Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit was concluded with a statement of 15 points, along with his counterpart host, Prayut Chan-ocha. Both recently chaired the third meeting of inter-cabinet executives with the participation of the main holders of each country.
The two leaders expressed their common intention that the trade should reach $20 billion by 2020. Dung encouraged Thailand to invest in areas of mutual interest such as maritime tourism, textiles and garments, footwear, agriculture, mechanics and chemistry. Both agreed to strengthen cooperation in labour, culture, sports, education, aquifers, science and technology, and connectivity. They also agreed to open terrestrial and coastal transportation along with Cambodia. Several agreements were signed, including those on recruitment and labour cooperation, and also about bringing together of their respective provinces.
The joint statement also devoted a space towards effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East or South China Sea, the mutual trust there, and the exercise of self-restraint and non-use or threat of force to settle differences.
