Thai PM announces US$30,000 in aid for flood-hit central region

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) meets with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Ha Noi, March 30, 2018. Photo: VGP

The announcement was made during a phone conversation with Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Friday afternoon.

Prayut congratulated Viet Nam on effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recovery, making Viet Nam the only economy in ASEAN to attain positive growth this year.

Meanwhile, PM Phuc also congratulated Thailand on effective control of the pandemic, extending thanks to the Thai Government for having facilitated repatriation of more than 1,000 Vietnamese citizens from Thailand.

The pair expressed pleasure at the fine development of the two countries’ friendly and cooperative ties at both bilateral and multilateral aspects and agreed to step up the ties as the Covid-19 pandemic has been brought under control.

Both sides pledged to discuss on resumption of commercial flights and priority travel regulations between the two countries, maintain and promote the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Cabinet meeting.

The two leaders agreed to accelerate the signing of an action program on implementation of the Viet Nam-Thailand strategic partnership for 2020-2025 period and local-to-local cooperation agreement, and jointly organize events to mark the 45^th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-Thailand diplomatic ties in 2021.

They agreed to continue fostering coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. PM Prayut spoke highly of Viet Nam’s leadership role as the current ASEAN Chair as well as its initiatives to strengthen cooperation in ASEAN and between ASEAN and partners.

Prayut voiced support for Viet Nam to successfully undertake the roles as the ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the tenure 2020-2021.

Phuc highly valued Thailand’s role and contributions to Mekong cooperation mechanisms, hoping that these mechanisms will be further promoted for sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

The two PMs underlined the importance of enhancing ASEAN solidarity and maintaining the bloc’s common positions on the East Sea issue.

They pledged to coordinate in pushing for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea that is in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, contributing to the maintenance of a peaceful and stable environment in the region./.

By Ngoc Van