Thailand, Vietnam strengthen ties through people-to-people diplomacy

The annual meeting is designed to assess the outcomes of cooperation since the previous meeting, and outline long-term cooperation orientations and specific collaborative activities between the two associations in the time ahead.

In his speech, TVFA President Sanan Angubolkul showed his sympathy over losses and difficulties caused by super Typhoon Yagi to many Vietnamese localities. He affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy will contribute to reinforcing the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Thailand, and making the relationship between the two associations an exemplary model of people-to-people diplomacy.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the VTFA, expressed his elation  at the positive development of the bilateral relations across multiple aspects such trade, tourism and culture, especially the inauguration of the first Vietnamese street in Thailand and the establishment of two centres for Vietnam studies at Royal Udon Thani University in Udon Thani province and the College of Asian Scholars in Khon Kaen.

He thanked leaders and people of Thailand for their sympathy towards the difficulties Vietnam are encountering due to Typhoon Yagi. He also extended his condolences and solidarity to Thailand and its people for the damage caused by severe floods currently affecting several north and northeast provinces.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung thanked leaders of the two associations for launching a broad array of practical and effective people-to-people diplomatic activities for the prosperous development of both nations, affirming that the embassy will continue to support activities of the two associations in the coming time, especially in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

The two sides consented to intensify several collaborative activities, including donating an ultrasound machine to Nam Dan district's medical centre in the central province of Nghe An of Vietnam; cooperating in human resources training; a ceremony to commemorate the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh held by the Association of Thai-Vietnamese in Nakhon Phanom province; setting up twin relationship between the two nations' localities; and holding the 14th joint meeting of the two associations in Vietnam next year.

As part of their working trip, the VTFA delegation attended a seminar on connectivity strategy between Vietnam and Thailand. Highlighting the importance of carrying out this strategy, the Thai side affirmed that it will prioritize resources and optimize existing advantages between the two countries, particularly the special peope-to-people bond, to connect the Vietnam-Thailand sustainable development strategy for prosperous development of both countries and the region.