H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand will pay a visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam during 7 – 9 July 2016 to attend the 2^nd Thailand – Vietnam Foreign Ministers’ Retreat upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

On this occasion, the two sides will discuss the prospects of expediting cooperation on key issues that will strengthen the strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam. These include the promotion of trade and investment especially ways to increase bilateral trade to the set target of USD 20,000 million by 2020; the enhancement of land connectivity particularly the setting-up of Thailand – Lao PDR – Vietnam scheduled passenger bus services and maritime connectivity among Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam; cooperation on the legal recruitment of Vietnamese workers to Thailand in fishing and construction sectors and cooperation on combating illegal fishing. The two sides will also discuss initiatives and activities to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam diplomatic relations this year as well as to enhance cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister will also pay a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam. The Thai side will discuss unique relationship existing between Thailand and Vietnam, characterized by deep historical ties since President Ho Chi Minh chose Thailand as his residing area during 1928 – 1929. The Foreign Minister will also discuss ways to further enhance the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister will meet with representatives of the Vietnamese businesses and media and give a press conference. The Foreign Minister will address remarks on the development of Thai – Vietnamese bilateral relations and the way forward on the occasion of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Thailand-Vietnam diplomatic relations this year. On this occasion, the Thailand – Vietnam Business Council will highlight their activities for the year 2016 and introduce Mr. Sanan Ungubolkul as the new President of the Council. At present, Thailand –Vietnam Business Council acts as a bridge linking Thai and Vietnamese businesses and contributes to expanding and enhancing the trade and investment exchanges between both countries.