Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang (R) receives Thai Ambassador Nikonrndej Balankura in Hanoi on November 18. (Photo: VNA) Giang expressed his delight at the growing relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in all fields from economy, trade and culture todefence and security.
He spoke highly of the Thai government's efforts in effectivelycontrolling the COVID-19 pandemic, and lauded the role, position and positive contributions ofThailand in regional issues, especially in cooperation mechanisms within theASEAN framework.
Giang expressed his hope that Thailand will continue to promote its role instrengthening intra-bloc unity, maintaining ASEAN’s central role andbuilding the ASEAN Community, while coordinating with other ASEAN membercountries in maintaining the bloc's common stance on regional issues and in ensuring peace, stability, adherence to international law, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.
The minister affirmed that over the years, defenceties between Vietnam and Thailand have been maintained and reinforced,bringing practical efficiency, with the focus placed on the exchange of delegations, especiallyhigh-level ones.
The two countries have effectively maintained cooperationmechanisms such as defence policy dialogue, joint working group on military-defencecooperation, bilateral naval consultation, and joint working group on air forcecooperation, as well as collaboration among armed services and strategic researchagencies.
Giang hoped that the Thai ambassador will continue paying due attention to promoting ties between the two countries, including defence cooperation,thus contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Thailand intensive strategic partnershipfor the interests of both countries and the region.
For his part, Nikonrndej congratulated Vietnam onsuccessfully controlling COVID-19, and thanked the Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam forcreating the best conditions for Thailand’s defence attaché to completing all assigned tasks.
He pledged to work hard to promote the relations between thetwo countries in a deeper and stronger manner in all fields, including defence cooperation. Heunderlined that defence and security will continue to be a pillar for thedevelopment of the bilateral strategic partnership./.