Former Thai Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Bhichai Rattakulhas been granted with the Friendship Order of the Vietnamese Statefor his contributions to the Vietnam-Thailand relationship.
The Friendship Order was presented by Ambassador to Thailand Ngo Duc Thang at a ceremony held in Bangkok on August 6.
Addressing the event, Ambassador Thang said 37 years ago VietnameseDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh and his Thaicounterpart Bhichai Rattakul signed an agreement to establish bilateraldiplomatic ties and exchange representatives at ambassador level.
He described the event as an important milestone in the path ofnormalising and developing the multi-faceted relationship between thetwo countries.
The relationship has been elevated to astrategic partnership during an official visit to Thailand byGeneral Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Tronglast June, the diplomat added.
For his part, Bhichai thankedthe Vietnamese State and people for such a noble award. Heexpressed hope that the friendship between the two nations will befurther consolidated and developed.-VNA