Hai Phong strengthens bridging role in Vietnam – Thailand relations

The 14th joint conference between the Vietnam – Thailand Friendship Association and the Thailand – Vietnam Friendship Association took place at the Hai Phong Convention and Performance Center on December 11. The event was co-organized by the two associations and the city People’s Committee.

In attendance were Colonel General Nguyen Van Thanh, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council and Chairman of the Vietnam – Thailand Friendship Association; Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thailand – Vietnam Friendship Association; Urawadee Sriphiromya, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam; among others.

Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong welcomed the decision of the two associations to select Hai Phong as the venue, reflecting their trust and recognition of the city’s position in international cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Cuong said the conference played an important role in strengthening relations between Vietnam and Thailand and between Hai Phong and its Thai partners as well as contributing to deepening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Hai Phong values cooperation with Thailand, which has strengths in processing industries, high-tech agriculture, tourism, services and logistics. The city seeks to enhance connectivity, share experience, develop new cooperation initiatives and is committed to facilitating Thai organizations, businesses and localities exploring opportunities in the city.

Speaking at the event, Colonel General Nguyen Van Thanh said the conference served as an opportunity for the two associations to review achievements over the past year and outline directions for the coming period, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their cooperation, making practical contributions to the fine friendship between the two countries.

Participants in the conference also shared orientations and proposed cooperation initiatives to promote people-to-people exchanges, strengthen cultural and educational connection and support Vietnamese communities in Thailand and Thai communities in Vietnam.

The conference agreed on a plan to coordinate activities for next year, highlighting the expansion of people-to-people and youth exchange programs, increased cooperation in education, enterprise cooperation, investment and business expansion, tourism promotion and local-level partnerships.

BUI HANH - HOANG PHUOC