Thailand says Vietnam is a close friend, key ASEAN partner

Royal Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wiraka Moodhitaporn highlighted the close ties between Thailand and Vietnam at a cultural program at the Ho Chi Minh City Children's House on Thursday, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established on August 6, 1976.

Bound by the Mekong, united under ASEAN

Speaking at the event, Pham Minh Tuan, vice chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Ho Chi Minh City, described Vietnam and Thailand as close neighbors that share distinctive cultural values, the Mekong River and a common home in ASEAN.

Over the past 50 years, he said, friendship and cooperation between the two countries have continued to deepen, built on political trust, shared interests and increasingly strong people-to-people ties.

"Most notably, the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership has opened a new phase of deeper and more substantive cooperation in politics, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges, while contributing positively to peace, stability and prosperity in ASEAN," Tuan said.

He said one of the key foundations of the enduring Vietnam-Thailand relationship is the close connection between their peoples.

Meetings, cultural and artistic exchanges, and community-building programs may begin with simple activities, he said, but they help foster greater familiarity, trust and mutual understanding between people from the two countries.

Shaping the next 50 years 

Wiraka Moodhitaporn said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties is not only a chance for Thailand and Vietnam to celebrate their achievements together, but also an opportunity to look ahead to the next 50 years with firm confidence and expectations.

"I have strong confidence that the future of our partnership will be shaped not only by the two governments, but also by provinces and cities, business communities, universities and, above all, the people of our two countries," she said.

Pham Minh Tuan said the 50-year journey is a milestone to be proud of and a foundation for Vietnam and Thailand to write a new chapter of friendship, cooperation and development in the decades ahead.

Also speaking at the event, Lt. Gen. Le Hong Nam, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand marks a significant milestone in the history of ties between the two close neighbors, which share many cultural values and a common aspiration for development within ASEAN.

"Since officially establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, Vietnam and Thailand have continued to strengthen their ties, making the relationship deeper, more substantive and more effective.

"The two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, along with their efforts to pursue new areas of cooperation, is a clear testament to their shared vision, political trust and determination to work together for peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.