Thailand’s role in ASEAN defence cooperation praised

During the meeting, he congratulated Thailand on its successful organization of the general election and establishment of the new government. 

He expressed his confidence that under the reign of King Rama X and the new government’s administration, Thailand will continue to stably develop and bilateral cooperation will become more effective and practical. 

Minister Lich also congratulated the Thai Ministry of Defense on successfully holding a host of defense-military meetings while stating that the next events organized by Thailand will contribute to maintaining solidarity and taking its leading role in fostering military-defense cooperation within ASEAN. 

Vietnam supports Thailand’s initiatives during its term as the Chair of ASEAN, including discussion of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the role of armed forces and defense agencies, a draft of ADMM initiatives to ensure substantive cooperation, the role of defense agencies and armies of ASEAN member states in supporting border management.

Prawit thanked Vietnam for its support for his country as the Chair of ASEAN whilst affirming Thailand’s strong support for Vietnam when it takes role on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. 

The Thai new government will incessantly stick importance to cooperation with Vietnam across a variety of fields, including defence bonds, he emphasized.

The Ministers agreed that the two sides should fully tap existing cooperation mechanisms and further boost ties in logistics, peacekeeping, tackling post-war bomb and mine consequences, military medicine, and law enforcement at sea. 

Concerning multilateral cooperation, they consented to coordinate, enhance consultations, and offer mutual support for multilateral defense-military mechanisms with the two sides being members.

Lich is leading a Vietnamese delegation to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ 13th Meeting (ADMM-13) in Bangkok from July 9-12.