The first meeting of the Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation opened in Bangkok, Thailand on November 5.
During the two day-event, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the bilateral cooperation in such fields like politics, national defense-security, economy, trade, investment, transport, energy, agriculture, culture-sports-tourism, education.
Concrete measures will also be worked out to push up the relations between the two countries in the time ahead.
Viet Nam and Thailand have elevated their ties to strategic level last June and are exchanging views on a joint action program for the 2014-2018 period, which is expected to be signed on the occasion of the 3rd Joint Cabinet Meeting.
Both countries have agreed to lift the two-way trade value to US$15 billion by 2020 and effectively coordinate in dealing with fishing-related issues on the basis of humanity and friendship.
The two countries also agreed to continue the implementation of the national defense cooperation agreement signed on Semtepber 26, 2012 and joint declaration on security vision for the 2012-2016 period.
The two Foreign Ministers pledged to maintain close coordination at regional and international forums, especially within the frameworks of ASEAN and the United Nations as well as the centrality of ASEAN in settling regional issues.
Regarding the East Sea, the two sides agreed to foster cooperation for peace, stability and security, including maritime security, safety and freedom. They stressed the need to settle divergences through peaceful measures, with respect to international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and through strict observation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea; and work together to accelerate the conclusion of the Code of Conduct.
On Tuesday afternoon, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh paid a courtesey call to Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Thai Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation as an important mechanism for the two countries to develop the strategic partnership.
She affirmed that Thailand would try its best to contribute to peace, stability, and maritume freedom in the East Sea and ask ASEAN member countries to work for early conclusion of the Code of Conduct.
The 2nd meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation will be held in Viet Nam in 2014./.