Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with hisThai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha on May 12, during which they agreed tocoordinate closely in further developing the enhanced strategic partnershipbetween the two countries.

PM Prayut congratulated Chinh on his election as the PM ofVietnam and invited him to soon pay an official visit to Thailand.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements in the fightagainst the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic development, as well as itsdiplomatic achievements in its role as a non-permanent member of the UnitedNations Security Council, especially as the council’s President in April.

Discussing specific measures to boost bilateral ties, theGovernment leaders requested relevant agencies to coordinate in organising activitiesin celebration of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomaticrelations this year, maintain and promote the efficiency of cooperationmechanisms, including the organisation of the fourth joint Cabinet meeting atan appropriate time, soon sign an action programme implementing theVietnam-Thailand enhanced strategic partnership for 2021-2025, and strive for25 billion USD in two-way trade by 2025.

PM Chinh affirmed to create favourable conditions for and encourageThai firms to do business and investment in Vietnam in such fields as energy,tourism, hi-tech agriculture, digital technology and automobile supportingindustry.

The Thai leader agreed with Chinh’s proposal of intensifyinga direct exchange mechanism between the two countries’ ministers in flexibleforms to help businesses deal with difficulties and ensure the effectiveness ofeconomic, trade and investment collaboration.

They discussed measures to solve some specific problems facingthe two countries’ enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They also agreedto speed up negotiations on priority travel regulations between Vietnam andThailand and ensure a safe and effective access to COVID-19 vaccines to achievesustainable post-pandemic socio-economic recovery.

Regarding regional and international cooperation, the PMs reached a consensus on strengthening close collaboration and mutual supportat multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and Asia-PacificEconomic Cooperation (APEC); boosting transport connectivity; and promoting sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region. Chinh suggested Thailand supportVietnam as the host country of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and EmergingDiseases (ACPHEED).

They shared the importance of continuing to strengthensolidarity and maintaining ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea issue, as well as coordinating in negotiations to achieve an effective and substantive Code ofConduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, includingthe 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus contributing to themaintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Regarding the Myanmar issue, they affirmed ASEAN's centralrole in supporting Myanmar to overcome current challenges, and agreed tocooperate with ASEAN to promote the implementation of the ASEAN leaders' agreementon this issue.

Chinh then invited his Thai counterpart to visit Vietnam ata suitable time. The latter accepted the invitation and showed his hope toearly receive the former in Thailand./.