From Thailand towards Vietnam's 77th National Day
On the occasion of the 77th National Day of Vietnam, Dr. Phan Chi Thanh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand highlighted Vietnam's journey to become an attractive destination in Southeast Asia and the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh. (Source: VNA) |
Seventy-seven years ago, on 2 September 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi Capital, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed a Declaration of Independence, opening a new chapter in our country’s history.
On that glorious day, on behalf of the new Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly declared to the world that Vietnam had the right to be a free and independent country and in fact it had become an independent and free country.
Along the journey of 77 years, millions of Vietnamese people, standing side by side, have overcome countless hurdles in the arduous struggle for national independence, reunification and development.
Vietnam today is a stable and peaceful ASEAN country, becoming an attractive destination for millions of tourists from all parts of the world. The charm of Viet Nam lies in its diverse culture with a number of world heritages, along with its selective absorption of the world's cultural quintessence. The Vietnamese people cherish traditions, hospitality, hard work and a creative attitude in pursuing self-development, success and happiness.
Economically, Vietnam has risen in the group of developing countries with improved living standards and social welfare. The fast growing market economy has enabled Vietnam to emerge as a regional economic entity with the industrial and service sector accounting for over 78% of the country’s GDP in 2021. The economy has rapidly recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic at the GDP growth rate of 6.42% for the first half of 2022, constituting an important part of regional and global supply chains in the context of the global economic recovery.
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Don Pramudwinai co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilteral Cooperation (JCBC), which was held via videoconference on November 19, 2021. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Pursuing a foreign policy of peace, independence, cooperation and development, Vietnam has developed an increasing enthusiasm for global integration. Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 190 countries and strategic or comprehensive partnerships with 30 countries, economic relations with 230 economies, signed 15 FTAs and joined more than 70 international and regional organisations.
The comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand extends to wider areas of politics, trade, investment, agriculture, defence, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchange. These robust and amicable ties are also marked by high level visits and regular contacts undertaken by leaders of both countries.
The two countries jointly carry out the Action Plan on implementing the Strengthened Strategic Partnership and more than 50 signed cooperation agreements in different areas. The 4th Joint Commission on bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) chaired by the two Foreign Ministers and the 4th Joint Trade Commission chaired by the two Trade Ministers met in November 2021 and April 2022 respectively. Vietnam actively supported Thailand’s APEC 2022 Agenda advocating the BCG concept (an integration of bioeconomy, circular economy and green economy) in line with the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.” and stands ready to contribute to the successful outcome of the APEC year hosted by Thailand.
The saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed” perfectly fits our two countries in challenging times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while facing a shortage domestically, Thailand actively assisted Vietnam by supplying vaccines and medical items to help the people in Vietnam cope with the pandemic.
The Royal Thai Government sent 300,000 vaccine doses to the Vietnamese people. The Thailand - Vietnam Friendship Association together with the Thai private sector donated medical equipment worth millions of BTH, not to mention other generous donations by Thai companies to the Vietnamese people, especially the poor.
I wish to take this opportunity once again to express our sincere thanks to the Government and the People of Thailand for close friendship and assistance.
On this auspicious occasion, may I wish long life, good health and prosperity to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and the leaders of Vietnam, the Thai and Vietnamese Peoples, and express the hope that the Strengthened Strategic Partnership and comprehensive cooperation will continue to bear fruits in the years to come for the benefits of our two nations.
