National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L) and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha at their meeting in Bangkok on August 27

Welcoming the top legislator of Vietnam, PM Chan-o-cha said cooperation between the Thai and Vietnamese governments has helped promote bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly the joint cabinet meetings.

To step up the bilateral strategic partnership in the coming time, the Thai Government hopes Vietnam will create optimal conditions for Thai investors and banks to operate, he noted.

The Thai PM also suggested the two sides should enhance ties in seaport, fisheries and tourism, as well as the settlement of fishermen-related issues to ensure safety for both countries’ fishermen.

They should work together to seek suitable tourism forms that meet Vietnamese and Thai tourists’ demand while boosting cooperation in tourism by sea and by road – which have so far remained undeveloped in both countries – so as to facilitate travel between the two countries, he added.

Chairwoman Ngan, who was in Thailand also to attend the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), said the Vietnamese National Assembly always supports the two governments’ cooperation, noting that the countries’ strategic partnership is growing well.

The Vietnamese parliament has approved many laws that aim to protect legal interests of and ensure equality between domestic and foreign investors, including those from Thailand, she said, adding that Vietnam welcomes Thai investment in the fields matching the countries’ demand and strength.

On this occasion, she thanked Thailand for supporting Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. She also asked Thailand to share experience with Vietnam when Vietnam takes up the roles of Chair of ASEAN and AIPA in 2020.

Echoing the Thai PM’s opinion on the fishermen-related issue, Chairwoman Ngan emphasised that the two sides will coordinate closely to address the matter in the humanitarian spirit and on the basis of the bilateral friendship.

She also called on Thailand to advocate the peaceful settlement of sea-related disputes in line with international law and join the common voice to help maintain peace in the region and build a united and strong ASEAN with growing stature in the international arena.-VNA