Conference intensifies Vietnam-Thailand relations

Bangkok (VNA) – The time-tested amity and all-round cooperation throughout history of Vietnam and Thailand will help the two become good partners in the ASEAN community, as heard an international conference held in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand on July 12.

The event, jointly held by the Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Security and International Studies and the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, is part of the activities to celebrate 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations.

Leading diplomats, researchers and policy-makers discussed significant issues to bilateral relations, noting potential for two countries to further cooperation in economics, politics, labour, climate change response and global warming.

They also touched upon the cooperation among Mekong sub-region countries, ASEAN’s stance on the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)’s fresh award on the East Sea dispute and climate change.

They also mulled over the critical impacts of hydropower dams upriver on the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries and potentials of the East-West Economic Corridor in correlation with the Southern Economic Corridor.

Regarding regional and global peace, sustainability and development, the participants suggested that Vietnam and Thailand should join hands with neighbouring countries to maintain peace, stability, and security in the East Sea.

It is necessary to address differences and disputes related to sea in line with globally-recognised laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they highlighted, appealing to all parties concerned to respect the PCA’s ruling over the East Sea dispute.

Vietnam and Thailand need to make concerted efforts to tackle problems encountered in fishing and labour spheres, they underscored.-VNA