Since Vietnam and Thailand established diplomatic ties 34 years ago, and Vietnam entered ASEAN in 1995, bilateral ties have been developing strongly. The two countries often exchange high-ranking visits. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited and attended the ASEAN summit in 2009 and the first Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in April 2010. Also, members of Thai Royal Family, and leaders of the Thai National Assembly and Government often visit Vietnam. Recently, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjaiva paid an official visit to Vietnam on July 2009 and attended the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Ho Chi Minh City in June, 2010.

On the occasion of the 34^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, Ngo Duc Thang, granted VOV an interview.

VOV: What’s your evaluation of the Vietnam-Thailand relationship in recent years?

Mr Thang: I can say with some certainty that it is very good. Since both countries established the diplomatic ties on August 6, 1976, Vietnam has attached a lot of importance to strengthening its friendship and co-operation with Thailand both bilaterally and regionally for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region.

Co-operation in economics, culture, education, training, sports, tourism, security, defence and fighting crime have been encouraged. Many important agreements have been signed, especially the maritime border demarcation in August 1997.

Many co-operative mechanisms have been approved, such as the joint committee for trade co-operation, and the joint cabinet meetings. In addition both countries always support each other at regional and international forums.

In recent years, Thailand has supported Vietnam becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 term. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wrote to his counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung, confirming his support for the Thang Long Royal Citadel becoming a world cultural heritage. At the 34^th session of the World Heritage Committee in Brazil, Thailand also voted for the Thang Long Royal Citadel to become a World Cultural Heritage.

VOV: Can you tell us about the prospects for the two countries relationship, especially in economics?

Mr Thang: I believe that the comprehensive co-operative relationship between the two countries will develop further, especially in economics. In 2009, two-way trade turnover reached US$6.1 billion and is expected to hit US$10 billion in the next years.

Currently Thailand operates 216 projects in Vietnam with a combined capital of US$5.7 billion, ranking 8^th amongst foreign investors in Vietnam. In the first half of this year, despite the economic downturn, two-way trade still increased, of which Vietnam’s exports to Thailand rose by 4 percent and its imports by 43 percent.

VOV: What do you think of Thailand’s support for Vietnam as ASEAN president in 2009?

Mr Thang: The prominent aspects of bilateral relations are similarity, mutual respect and support. Thailand’s support for Vietnam during its term as ASEAN president has brought about many benefits, for instance helping Vietnam to successfully hold the 16^th ASEAN summit, the 43^rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting/ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) and the 17^th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Hanoi  

I believe that with all Vietnam’s efforts and support from Thailand and other ASEAN countries, Vietnam will be successful in the year the country undertake the ASEAN presidency.

VOV: Thank you very much.