Vietnam's Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang met Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya on November 11 to discuss cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters, came as the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1976-2026).

The Thai delegation included Wanpiti Champasri, Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Vietnam. Representatives of Vietnam's Government Committee for Religious Affairs, International Cooperation Department and the ministry's office also attended.

On behalf of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Khang conveyed his deepest condolences to the Thai Royal Family, Government and people over the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit in 2025 and Princess Bajrakitiyabha in June 2026.

Ambassador Urawadee expressed her gratitude for the minister's condolences and for sending ministry representatives to sign the condolence books in memory of the two members of the Thai Royal Family.

She said the royal cremation ceremony for Queen Mother Sirikit would take place on December 16, organized by Thailand's Royal Household Bureau and Government in accordance with royal traditions.

The Thai Embassy in Vietnam will also hold a commemorative ceremony. The ambassador extended an invitation to Minister Khang, senior ministry officials and representatives of relevant agencies to attend.

Strengthening Vietnam-Thailand religious cooperation

During the meeting, Ambassador Urawadee said relations between Thailand and Vietnam were expanding in both scope and depth.

Since Vietnam established the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, cooperation on religious matters has become an area of particular interest for Thailand, which hopes to further strengthen bilateral engagement.

"Congratulations on assuming the responsibility of leading the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs at such an important time, as our two countries are intensifying cooperation in this field," the ambassador told Khang.

She noted that Vietnam and Thailand already maintain close ties in religious affairs, with both societies sharing rich spiritual traditions, particularly Buddhism.

Referring to the September 14-16 visit to Vietnam by Thailand's King and Queen, Urawadee said it marked the first state visit by a Thai monarch to Vietnam.

During the visit, the King and Queen paid their respects at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi.

Welcoming the positive development of bilateral friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation, Minister Khang emphasized the longstanding and deep connections between the two countries in matters of belief and religion.

He also shared information about Vietnam's system of state management of religious affairs and noted the successful conclusion of the 10th National Buddhist Congress on November 7.

"We recognize and greatly appreciate the active coordination of the Thai Embassy and relevant agencies in promoting religious exchanges and cooperation, which has helped strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples," Khang said.

Thailand's Royal Kathina ceremony to be held in Ninh Binh

Ambassador Urawadee also briefed the minister on preparations for Thailand's Royal Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony in Vietnam.

This year's ceremony carries special significance as Vietnam and Thailand celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations.

Following discussions with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the Thai Embassy selected Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ninh Binh province as the venue for the ceremony, scheduled for November 14.

The ambassador invited Minister Khang, ministry leaders and representatives of relevant agencies to attend.

Khang said Tam Chuc Pagoda has the facilities and infrastructure required to host major international religious events.

The complex previously hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in 2019.

Vietnam is also finalizing a nomination dossier seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the Van Long - Kim Bang - Tam Chuc cultural and ecological landscape, which includes Tam Chuc Pagoda.

The minister confirmed that his ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies, Ninh Binh provincial authorities and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to support the Thai Government and Embassy in organizing a dignified and successful Royal Kathina ceremony.

The ministry will also send senior representatives to attend the event.

Expanding support for ethnic minority communities

The two sides also discussed cooperation and experience sharing in developing ethnic minority and mountainous areas, promoting sustainable poverty reduction, preserving cultural heritage and creating sustainable livelihoods.

According to Ambassador Urawadee, the Thai Embassy has been actively implementing cooperation initiatives with Dien Bien province, a mountainous locality in northwestern Vietnam that continues to face development challenges but has considerable tourism potential and cultural diversity.

"During the 2026 Dien Bien Ban Flower Festival, Thailand sent a delegation of Black Thai ethnic performers to take part in the celebrations," she said.

As part of its cooperation with Dien Bien, Thailand has organized tourism development training courses, offered Thai-language classes for local residents and promoted tourism connections between Dien Bien and destinations in Thailand.

Looking ahead, the embassy hopes to expand its assistance, particularly in tourism workforce development and improving living standards among ethnic minority communities in the province.

Minister Khang expressed appreciation for the valuable support provided by the Thai Government and Embassy to Dien Bien.

He described the province as a locality facing significant socioeconomic challenges but possessing a rich historical heritage and considerable development potential.

The minister proposed expanding cooperation through advanced tourism skills training, technology sharing and stronger connections between tourism products in Dien Bien and other ethnic minority areas of Vietnam and Thailand's international tourism networks.

Such initiatives could help local communities reach a wider international customer base while creating additional economic opportunities.

Khang also called for more frequent and substantive cooperation between Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and corresponding Thai government agencies.

He reaffirmed that closer cooperation in ethnic affairs, beliefs and religion would contribute to further deepening the Vietnam-Thailand comprehensive strategic partnership.

Sy Hao