Hanoi, May 17, 2025 — The Europe Today: Vietnam and Thailand have officially elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in their relations. The announcement was made during Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam for the 4th Vietnam – Thailand Joint Cabinet Retreat, held from May 15–16.
In a joint statement released on Friday, the two nations highlighted the historic development of their partnership since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976, and the foundation laid by the 2013 Strategic Partnership.
Prime Ministers Phạm Minh Chính and Paetongtarn Shinawatra reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across a wide range of areas under three pillars: Partnership for Sustainable Peace, Sustainable Growth, and a Sustainable Future.
Key Agreements:
- Security and Political Cooperation: Strengthened defence and law enforcement ties, intelligence sharing, and enhanced cooperation to combat transnational crimes and address maritime security, including in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law.
- Economic Integration: A target of USD 25 billion in bilateral trade, support for MSMEs, deeper investment ties, and greater synergy in green economy, digital transformation, and logistics.
- Science and Innovation: Collaborations on AI, digital government, cybersecurity, and smart cities.
- People-to-People Exchanges: Increased youth, cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, including the promotion of direct provincial flights and initiatives such as “Six Countries, One Destination”.
- Regional and Global Cooperation: Joint efforts within ASEAN, APEC, and Mekong sub-regional frameworks to promote peace, development, and environmental sustainability.
The statement also underscores both countries’ shared values of peace, mutual respect, sustainable development, and rule of law, while reaffirming support for ASEAN centrality and maritime stability in Southeast Asia.
The elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the countries’ shared ambition for deeper, more meaningful collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
