Vietnam’s Party leader urges stronger economic ties with Thailand

During his meeting with Thai Prime Minister and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hanoi on Friday, Lam highlighted the significance of Shinawatra's two-day official visit, which commenced on Thursday.

This marked her first visit to Vietnam since assuming office in August 2024 and the first by a Thai government leader in 11 years.

Lam noted that the visit occured amid flourishing bilateral relations as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

He expressed confidence that the visit would further promote and deepen the relationship between Vietnam and Thailand.

'3 connections' strategy

The Party leader emphasized that the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, as announced in a joint statement following the fourth Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet meeting on Friday, marks a historic milestone and ushers in a new chapter in the countries' relations.

Building on this foundation, General Secretary Lam advocated for enhanced economic connectivity, viewing it as a vital component of bilateral cooperation.

He proposed the implementation of the ‘Three Connections’ strategy, which encompasses the integration of supply chains, the linking of businesses and localities in both countries, and the alignment of sustainable and green growth strategies.

Besides, he reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to strengthening its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Thailand – a close neighbor with longstanding ties and a leading trade and investment partner.

The Party leader emphasized the imperative for Vietnam and Thailand to strengthen collaboration in defense, security, and crime prevention.

He also encouraged continued coordination within regional multilateral mechanisms and Mekong cooperation frameworks, particularly the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

Thai PM commits to promoting new partnership

PM Shinawatra expressed her pleasure in visiting Vietnam for the first time, affirming her appreciation for the close friendship and effective cooperation between the two countries.

She briefed General Secretary Lam on the outcomes of the fourth Vietnam–Thailand Joint Cabinet meeting and her discussions with senior Vietnamese leaders, including State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly chairman Tran Thanh Man during the visit.

Agreeing with Lam's proposals, Shinawatra pledged to direct relevant Thai agencies to collaborate with their Vietnamese counterparts in operationalizing the comprehensive strategic partnership framework.

This collaboration will focus on economic cooperation, crime prevention, and aligning positions on regional and international issues.

On this occasion, she extended an invitation to General Secretary Lam to visit Thailand, which he accepted with pleasure.