Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh on December 4 worked with authorities of the province of Saraburi to discuss measures to step up cooperation between localities of the two countries in investment, trade, economy, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The ambassador also attended the inauguration of a cemetery of Thai peopleof Vietnamese origin, the first of its kind in the Bangkok region andneighbouring provinces, in Saraburi.

At a working session with Saraburi Deputy Governor AngkanaChitatitta, Thanh highlighted theimportant meaning of the cemetery in encouraging and assisting the community to maintain burial rites according to Vietnamese customs and practices; and topreserve and promote the cultural identity of their home country.

Highlighting the sound growth of the strengthened strategicpartnership between Vietnam and Thailand across almost all fields, Thanhaffirmed that Thailand is an important partner of Vietnam in Southeast Asia.

He proposed the provincial authorities continue creating favourable conditions for the Thai people of Vietnamese origin working and living in Saraburi, and study demand for cooperation and connection with Vietnamese localities via the exchanges of visits by leaders and businesses.

The Vietnamese Embassy is ready to work closely withSaraburi in promoting such collaboration and linkages with their Vietnamese peers,Thanh stressed.

Expressing her delight at the community’s building of theirown cemetery, the deputy governor pledged to provide more assistance and favourable conditionsfor them to live and work in the province.

She also said Saraburi is willing to send businessdelegations to Vietnam, learning about the nation’s investment environment andcooperation especially in industry, construction and culture.

Saraburi is a gateway to the central region of Thailand, withstrengths in construction, industry, and dairy production./.