Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak (Photo: VNA)

That was agreed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak during their meeting on the sidelines of ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong in Hanoi on October 25.

The two countries will actively coordinate with other ASEAN members to maintain the bloc’s unity and promote its central role and common voice in regional and international issues, they said.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, PM Phuc sent his condolences to Thai people on the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and said it is the great loss to Thailand’s country and people.

He noted that ACMECS 7, CLMV 8 and WEF-Mekong allow the countries to discuss programmes and projects that are suitable for their respective potential and seek solutions to improving the efficiency of cooperation and raising bilateral trade value to 20 billion USD by 2020.

He highly valued Thai-invested projects in Vietnam and pledged optimal conditions for Thai businessmen.

The two countries should step up cooperation in labour, he said, suggesting the Thai Government support Vietnamese laborers working in Thailand.

He also suggested the two countries work towards the signing of cooperation deals on creativeness, science and technology, and the establishment of a hotline on fisheries to tackle issues arising at sea.

The Thai Deputy PM showed his delights at intensified bilateral cooperation across sectors, especially since the countries set up strategic partnership in 2013.

He said Thai investors in Vietnam are leading enterprises in Thailand and his Government always reminds them of respecting the host country’s law.

He noted that more Thai businesspeople are expected to pour money into finance, banking, thermo-electricity, and oil refinery in Vietnam and pledged to assist Vietnamese businesses operating in Thailand.-VNA