Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs co-chaired the 4th Political Consultation Group between Thailand and Vietnam

On 17 July 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Acting Foreign Minister, co-chaired the 4th Thailand – Vietnam Political Consultation Group with Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bangkok.

Permanent Secretary Sihasak expressed his appreciation to Vietnam for its understanding on the political situation in Thailand. The Permanent Secretary also briefed in Vietnamese side on the recent political developments under the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO), including the three –step Roadmap.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated Thailand’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation with Vietnam as it was upgraded to a strategic partner last year. Both sides expressed their intention to achieve bilateral trade target of 15 billion US dollars by the year 2020. Both sides attached importance to enhance regional connectivity by utilizing R8, R9 and R12 ASEAN highway routes for trade and investment benefits. Currently, Thailand is in the process of finalizing three legislations related to Mekong Sub region Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement. Both sides also discussed about commemorative activities for celebration of the 40th

The two side also agreed to have cooperation on consular affairs agreement and set up mechanism on this matter. The Permanent Secretary also requested for reducing punishments for two Thai women who were adjudicated with capital punishment due to drug offences. The Vice Minister accepted the Permanent Secretary’s request issue to the capital for further consideration.

On ASEAN, Vietnam expressed its appreciation on Thailand’s role as coordinator for the ASEAN-China relations. Both sides placed importance on peace and security in the region, especially in the South China Sea and welcomed the recent relocation of the China’s oil rig from the disputed area. Both agreed upon expediting negotiations between ASEAN and China on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in order to set a legal binding instrument to increase mutual trust, build confidence and reduce tensions in the South China Sea. Presently, four ASEAN Claimant States (Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam) are discussing on possible tangible measures that may ensure avoidance of conflict and build trust among parties concerned in the South China Sea. In addition, Thailand will host the Senior Official Meeting of ASEAN-China on DOC in October 2014.

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17 July 2014