Vietnam
Vietnam and Thailand to maintain common viewpoint on East Sea issuec
During yesterday`s reception for visiting Thai FM Don Pramudwinai in Hanoi, Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh asked for Thailand’s close coordination to ensure solidarity and maintain ASEAN’s common viewpoint on the regional and international issues, including the East Sea issue.
Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh shook hands with Thai FM Don Pramudwinai
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At the talks, Deputy PM and FM Minh warmly welcomed and appreciated the guest’s first visit to Vietnam in his position as the bilateral strategic partnership is growing finely and two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (August 6, 1976-2016).
Both sides spoke highly of the rapid and effective development of the Vietnam-Thailand relations in all fields, which has contributed to strengthening strategic trust between the two nations and enhancing mutual understanding as well as bilateral traditional friendly relationship. They agreed to facilitate the exchange of all-level delegations; effectively fulfill the outcomes of the third Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting and the action program to realize their strategic partnership for 2014-2018; and review the implementation of agreements at the second meeting of the Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Committee on Bilateral Co-operation (March 2015), towards preparing for the committee’s third meeting.
The two FMs also reached consensus on boosting connection of the two economies and actively coordinating in accelerating the implementation of the action plan on Viet Nam-Thailand trade and investment co-operation from 2015 until 2020, striving to meet the target of bringing two-way trade turnover to US$20 billion by 2020. Vietnam will continue to create favorable conditions for Thai enterprises’ trade and investment activities in Vietnam, Deputy PM Minh said, asking Thailand to facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ access to the Thai market and give continuous support to overseas Vietnamese living, working and studying in the country.
Both sides agreed to strengthen co-operation at international and regional forums, particularly in ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC and subregional co-operation mechanisms. Both countries need to enhance co-operation with each other and with nations and international organizations in development, management and sustainable use of the Mekong water resource in line with international practices, aiming to ensure the interests of Lower Mekong countries, Deputy PM Minh said. The two sides emphasized the importance of strengthening co-operation between the two Foreign Ministries and successfully organizing the activities celebrating the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, including the Vietnam Culture Days in Thailand and the Thai Culture Days in Vietnam.
On the East Sea issue, the Vietnamese Deputy PM asked Thailand to promote its role and coordination in facilitating settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means in accordance with the widely recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982); and calling on parties to fully comply with legal and diplomatic processes, strictly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and accelerate the building of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Deputy PM and FM Minh said parties concerned must exert efforts to settle disputes and cooperation to transform the East Sea into an area of peace, stability and development. The two sides should also push ahead with the bilateral defence agreement and cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Royal Thai Police, promptly sign an agreement on criminal extradition, and increase the use of a hotline between the two countries’ navies to deal with arising issues at sea, including those involving fishermen and vessels.
