Strengthening cooperation between the Vietnamese and Thai armies

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong and General Chalermphon Srisawasdi review the Guard of Honor of the Vietnam People's Army.

On behalf of the leaders of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong welcomed the Commander of the Thai Defense Forces and the delegation on their official visit to Vietnam and affirmed that the visit is of great significance, taking place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership, contributing to creating new momentum for the Vietnam - Thailand defense relationship.

At the talks, the two sides agreed that, based on the good friendship and cooperation between the two countries, military cooperation between the two countries has been constantly developing over the past time with many practical and effective activities. Cooperation mechanisms continue to be effectively promoted, especially defense policy dialogue; coast guard exchanges; military cooperation, young officer exchanges; information sharing; training cooperation; consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms led by ASEAN...

In the coming time, the two sides agreed to strengthen coordination, continue to effectively implement cooperation activities, contributing significantly to the good development of the Vietnam - Thailand strategic partnership, focusing on the following areas: Strengthening delegation exchanges at all levels, effectively maintaining existing cooperation mechanisms.

In the immediate future, prepare well for the 5th Vietnam-Thailand defense policy dialogue scheduled to be held in Vietnam at the end of 2023. Maintain effective cooperation in human resource training. Strengthen cooperation between military branches and services; share information, security situation, and maritime safety in the sea bordering the two countries...

Study the possibility of expanding cooperation in a number of potential areas that are suitable to the needs and strengths of each side, such as cooperation in sharing experiences in border management and protection; combating illegal migration; preventing and combating drugs and transnational crimes. Promote cooperation in responding to non-traditional security challenges, such as search and rescue, preventing and combating terrorism, and sharing military experiences in poverty reduction...

Actively consult and support each other within the ASEAN military-defense framework; maintain ASEAN's common stance on regional and international security issues. Vietnam affirms its support for events organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Thai Army in 2024, such as: Defense and Security Exhibition, 24th ASEAN Army Chiefs' Meeting and related activities.

During the talks, the two sides also exchanged views on the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern. They stressed the importance of maintaining peace, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS-1982).

* On the same morning, General Chalermphon Srisawasdi paid a courtesy visit to General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense.

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, received General Chalermphon Srisawasdi, Commander of the Thai Defense Forces.

General Phan Van Giang suggested: Based on the good relationship between the two countries and the two armies, especially in the context of the two countries celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam - Thailand strategic partnership, in the coming time, the armies of the two sides need to actively implement delegation exchange activities at all levels; share experiences in handling non-traditional security issues such as border management, dealing with transnational crimes; promote potential areas of cooperation in accordance with the needs and strengths of each side.

Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang thanked the Royal Thai Army for accepting the invitation and sending a delegation of coaches and athletes to participate in the 2023 ASEAN Military Men's Volleyball Tournament, which will be held for the first time by the Vietnam People's Army from September 30 to October 10, 2023. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense always creates conditions and supports cooperation between the two armies. He hopes that the two sides will further strengthen their cooperation, contributing to building and consolidating each country's defense, and making practical contributions to the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership.

General Chalermphon Srisawasdi affirmed the importance of the good relationship between Thailand and Vietnam in general, and between the two armies in particular; at the same time, he expressed his wish that the two sides would strengthen their cooperation more effectively, contributing to building and consolidating each country's defense, making practical contributions to the enhanced strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam.

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