Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and former Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bhichai Rattakul noted their hope that the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand will be deepened in the time ahead.

The Thai guest is on a visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (August 6).

During their meeting in Hanoi on August 9, the two sides cherished the fruitful developments of the bilateral ties over the past four decades, especially the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2013.

Deputy PM and FM Minh hailed the two countries’ efforts in celebrating their 40-year diplomatic ties, including their exchange of visits and organisation of cultural and artistic events.

Bhichai Rattakul, in reply, said the Thai Government and people always attach importance and wish to push forward cooperation with Vietnam.

The former Thai Foreign Minister inked the joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Vietnam in 1976.

Vietnam, Thailand – good neighbours, good friends: ex-official

The Thai Government’s establishment of diplomatic ties with Vietnam 40 years ago was based on their good neighbourliness and friendliness, said a Thai representative who inked a joint communiqué setting up relations with Vietnam in 1976. 

Bhichay Rattakul, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand, made the remark while speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of a ceremony in Hanoi on August 9 to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations (August 6, 1976). 

At that time, the Thai Government declared that it would restore all relationships and cooperation with neghbouring countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, he said. 

He noted Vietnamese – Thai relations have developed strongly over the last four decades, enjoying warm economic, culture and political relations. 

Bilateral ties have entered a new chapter in history and will continue flourishing in the future, Bhichay Rattakul said. 

He added though it is not easy to turn ASEAN, of which both countries are members, into a strong economic community, Vietnam and Thailand are completely able to reinforce their amity and partnership right at present.

VNA