Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh and Thailand’s acting Ministerand Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeowco-chaired the fourth annual Vietnam-Thailand political consultation inBangkok on July 17.
At the meeting, the two sides agreed tostrengthen bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as joint cabinetmeetings, the Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade or joint workinggroup on politics and security. They reached consensus on coordinationto build plans for activities celebrating the 40 th anniversary ofVietnam – Thailand diplomatic ties in 2016.
As regards tonational defence – security, Vietnam and Thailand will increase theexchange of visits to share intelligence information and anti-crimeexperience, hold more joint patrols and consider the establishment of adeputy-ministerial defence dialogue mechanism.
Oneconomics, the two countries will make it easier for their businesscommunities to establish trade and investment ties with the goal oflifting two-way trade to 15 billion USD by 2020, while speeding up theimplementation of major Thai-invested projects in Vietnam in the fieldsof petrochemicals, oil refinery, thermoelectricity and development ofindustry complexes.
The two sides also agreed to work togetherto enhance road connectivity and coastal transport as well as promotecooperative mechanisms in the Mekong sub-region framework.
Sihasak affirmed that Thailand always wants to strengthen its strategic partnership with Vietnam.
Deputy FM Vinh suggested Thailand create conditions for Vietnameseworkers to continue their normal life in the country. The two sidesvowed to sign a memorandum of understanding on labour, and launch aconsular consultation mechanism to deal with issues involving consularprotection, fishermen and drug smuggling.
In addition, the twocountries will work more closely with other ASEAN members to achievethe ASEAN Community by 2015 as well as continue their coordination atother regional and global forums, especially the United Nations, theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Asia – Europe Meeting.
The two sides shared deep concern over the East Sea issue andemphasised ASEAN’s role and principles as reiterated in the bloc’sSix-Point Principle statement and the May 10, 2014 statement on the EastSea issue.
They agreed to increase talks with other ASEANmember states for the full and effective implementation of theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, whilepushing for an early formation of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the EastSea, building trust, and settling disputes by peaceful means in linewith international law.
Deputy FM Vinh stated that China’sdeployment of its oil rig and a fleet of ships in Vietnam’s waters is aserious violation of international law, the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea, and the DOC.
He stressedthat the international community and ASEAN should firmly prevent similarviolations from reoccurring while stepping up efforts for the sake ofpeace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom inthe East Sea.
Vinh also expressed wish that Thailand will keepup the good work in its role as the coordinator for the ASEAN – Chinarelations.
The fifth consultation will take place in Vietnam next year.-VNA
At the meeting, the two sides agreed tostrengthen bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as joint cabinetmeetings, the Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade or joint workinggroup on politics and security. They reached consensus on coordinationto build plans for activities celebrating the 40 th anniversary ofVietnam – Thailand diplomatic ties in 2016.
As regards tonational defence – security, Vietnam and Thailand will increase theexchange of visits to share intelligence information and anti-crimeexperience, hold more joint patrols and consider the establishment of adeputy-ministerial defence dialogue mechanism.
Oneconomics, the two countries will make it easier for their businesscommunities to establish trade and investment ties with the goal oflifting two-way trade to 15 billion USD by 2020, while speeding up theimplementation of major Thai-invested projects in Vietnam in the fieldsof petrochemicals, oil refinery, thermoelectricity and development ofindustry complexes.
The two sides also agreed to work togetherto enhance road connectivity and coastal transport as well as promotecooperative mechanisms in the Mekong sub-region framework.
Sihasak affirmed that Thailand always wants to strengthen its strategic partnership with Vietnam.
Deputy FM Vinh suggested Thailand create conditions for Vietnameseworkers to continue their normal life in the country. The two sidesvowed to sign a memorandum of understanding on labour, and launch aconsular consultation mechanism to deal with issues involving consularprotection, fishermen and drug smuggling.
In addition, the twocountries will work more closely with other ASEAN members to achievethe ASEAN Community by 2015 as well as continue their coordination atother regional and global forums, especially the United Nations, theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Asia – Europe Meeting.
The two sides shared deep concern over the East Sea issue andemphasised ASEAN’s role and principles as reiterated in the bloc’sSix-Point Principle statement and the May 10, 2014 statement on the EastSea issue.
They agreed to increase talks with other ASEANmember states for the full and effective implementation of theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, whilepushing for an early formation of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the EastSea, building trust, and settling disputes by peaceful means in linewith international law.
Deputy FM Vinh stated that China’sdeployment of its oil rig and a fleet of ships in Vietnam’s waters is aserious violation of international law, the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea, and the DOC.
He stressedthat the international community and ASEAN should firmly prevent similarviolations from reoccurring while stepping up efforts for the sake ofpeace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom inthe East Sea.
Vinh also expressed wish that Thailand will keepup the good work in its role as the coordinator for the ASEAN – Chinarelations.
The fifth consultation will take place in Vietnam next year.-VNA
