State, Gov’t leaders receive Thai Senate President

State President Truong Tan Sang received the visiting President of the Senate of Thailand Teeradej Meepien in Hanoi, on Dec. 23.

Sang expressed his delight at the growing multifaceted cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago, adding that the two sides need to make greater efforts to expand Vietnam – Thailand friendship and cooperation.

He also expressed his pleasure at the two countries’ fine coordination at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the cooperative economic mechanisms in the region and sub-regions such as the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, the East-West Economic Corridor and the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

The State leader said he hoped the two sides will continue working closely to realise the goals of ASEAN and build a strong ASEAN community.

President Meepien spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in the ASEAN community, adding that he believes the ASEAN community will be increasingly prosperous with good cooperation among member countries.

Showing optimism for outcomes from the two countries’ trade and investment cooperation, Meepien said that Vietnam and Thailand will enhance cooperation in tourism, considering it a practical way to mark the 35 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

At a reception for Meepien the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to strengthening and increasing comprehensive cooperation with Thailand.

Phuc expressed his delight at the growing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics and trade. In the first eight months of this year, two-way export turnover reached 5.46 billion USD.

Vietnam will continue to create favourable conditions for Thai businesses to invest in Vietnam, and is ready to cooperate with Thailand in projects of the East-West economic corridor and promote bilateral connectivity, firstly in the fields of transport, customs and tourism, Phuc said.

The Deputy PM said he hoped the two sides will continue taking measures to promote efficiency of existing cooperative mechanisms, to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Phuc said he wished that Thailand will create favourable conditions for Overseas Vietnamese to stabilise their lives and do business in the country, for the development of Thailand and for the bilateral friendly relations.

Meepien expressed his hope to further promote the traditional friendship and cooperation with Vietnam, adding that the two countries need to boost friendly exchanges to tighten solidarity in the near future.

On the occasion, Meepien expressed his thanks to the Vietnamese Government and Vietnam Red Cross for assisting the Thai Government and people in overcoming recent major floods./.