This is the first official visit of a senior Vietnamese leader to Thailand since the 13th Party Congress and the first visit to Thailand by the Vietnamese President in 24 years. The visit was made in the context that Vietnam and Thailand have just celebrated the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2021 and are looking forward to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2023.
August 6, 1976, marked the milestone of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand. In 2013, the two countries established a strategic partnership and continued to upgrade to an enhanced strategic partnership in 2019. The friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries have maintained a good development momentum. High-level contacts and bilateral cooperation mechanisms are maintained. In 2021, the two countries jointly organised many activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and actively communicate to improve public understanding of the Vietnam-Thailand Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Economic cooperation is a bright spot in the relationship between the two countries. Thailand is Vietnam's largest trading partner and second largest investor in ASEAN, ranking 9th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. In 2021, the two-way trade reached 1.88 billion USD, which is the highest level ever and in nine months from the beginning of 2022 reached 16.1 billion USD.
Thailand has 670 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of more than 13 billion USD and Vietnam has 17 investment projects in Thailand. Cooperation in labour, education-training and tourism has developed actively. The two sides have supported each other in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries work closely in ASEAN, as well as at regional and international organisations and forums.
In 2022, Thailand is the host of APEC, in the context of rapid, complicated and unpredictable changes, in the world and regional situation. Competition among major powers is fierce, increasing risks to international peace, stability and cooperation. The world economy's recovery is slow, unsustainable and has the potential for recession. Non-traditional security issues have far-reaching impacts on the socioeconomic of countries. The Asia-Pacific region takes the lead in the process of economic recovery, development and integration, but continues to be a key area of strategic competition between major powers.
Becoming a member of APEC on November 15, 1998, marked an important achievement for Vietnam, in implementing an open foreign policy, multilateralisation, diversification of foreign relations and international economic integration. During nearly 25 years of participating in APEC as an active, dynamic and creative member, with many highly appreciated cooperation initiatives and proposals, Vietnam has left a bold mark in the development process of APEC. The Asia-Pacific region and APEC cooperation are a priority in Vietnam's foreign policy, especially the policy of promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy, contributing to protecting and promoting security interests, development and the position of the country in the new period.
Following the positive development momentum in the two countries' relations, the official visit to Thailand by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc marked a new milestone in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries sharing the Mekong River, together as a member of the "ASEAN common roof". The visit demonstrates the importance of relations between the two countries, contributing to strengthening the foundation and affirming the commitment, to elevating the Vietnam-Thailand Enhanced Strategic Partnership. The contacts and exchanges during the visit will strengthen political trust, promote cooperation in many fields, as well as coordinate between the two countries on regional and international issues, especially in maintaining solidarity and the central role of ASEAN.
Attending the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed the message that Vietnam is proactive, actively integrating into the world comprehensively and deeply, contributing to peace and economic cooperation and linkages in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. The bilateral meetings of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on the occasion of the event, will contribute to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and international partners and friends, continuing to go into depth and practicality, especially the fields in which Vietnam has potential and advantages. The participation and contributions of the Vietnamese delegation at the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, will contribute to promoting the image of the country's stability, and positive economic growth after the pandemic and attracting resources for socio-economic development in the coming time.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Thailand will continue to affirm the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, continuing to deepen bilateral relations, raise the level of multilateral diplomacy, actively participate, actively contribute to and enhance Vietnam's position and role in multilateral institutions and forums.
May President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand and attendance at the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting be a great success, contributing to deepening the enhanced strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand, as well as promoting practical and effective APEC cooperation, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.
