Bangkok, May 28 (AseanAll)  — On May 28, 2026,  Thai Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed that Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, witnessed an exchange of MOUs and key cooperation documents before cochairing the launching ceremony of the logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam relations and the subsequent joint press conference. 

Atmosphere of the meetings, both during the plenary session and the ceremonial proceedings, were warm and cordial, reflecting close friendship and ties between Thailand and Vietnam. It also underscores shared commitment of the two leaders to continue and elevate cooperation in all dimensions for sustainable interest of the people of both countries.

The two leaders witnessed an exchange of the following 4 MOUs and key cooperation documents:

     1.Plan of Action on Implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Thailand and Vietnam 2026 – 2031)

     2.Exchange of Diplomatic Notes between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam confirming that the two ministries are the lead agencies responsible for the implementation and coordination of cooperation under the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation

     3.Memorandum of Understanding on the Collaboration for the Development of MRO Center at U-Tapao International Airport between EECO and VIETJET GROUP

     4.Memorandum of Understanding between the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, Vietnam and Khon Kaen University

The Prime Minister and the Vietnamese President, then, cochaired the launching ceremony of the logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of Thailand – Vietnam relations under the concept “Growing Together”. The logo symbolizes the two countries’ shared journey of development and enduring partnership. The number “5” features dynamic curves representing movement and momentum, whereas the number “0” is depicted as a circle symbolizes stability and unity that sustainably leads the two nations toward shared future.

Gist of the joint press conference is as follows:

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation toward the President of Vietnam for choosing Thailand as the first ASEAN country to visit following his assumption of office. This reflects friendship and close relations between the two nations, especially that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam. On this occasion, both sides cochaired the official launch of the logo commemorating 50 years of Thailand–Vietnam relations, and witnessed the signing and exchange of the Plan of Action on Implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Thailand and Vietnam (2026 – 2031) between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries which will set a clear and concrete direction for future cooperation.

The Vietnamese President expressed pleasure in paying an official visit to Thailand at this significant time of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations. He also extended his gratitude to the Government and people of Thailand for the warm and dignified welcome, and commended Thailand’s achievements in economic and social development. The President expressed confidence that Thailand will successfully advance its national strategies and development plans, and marveled Thailand’s important role in promoting regional cooperation and strengthening the ASEAN Community. He reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to enhancing relations with Thailand and stands ready to work closely together to foster regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

They also discussed the following issues at the plenary session:

Thailand and Vietnam agreed to enhance defense cooperation to tackle transnational crime, especially online scams, and IUU fishing. Both parties reaffirmed the principle of not allowing the use of territory of either side for political activities, and committed to advance the ASEAN extradition treaty, while underscoring ASEAN’s central role in addressing regional challenges.

On the economic cooperation, both countries agreed on forging closer cooperation amid global uncertainties. The two leaders also came to terms on a target of USD 25 billion per year in mutual trade value and continued investment promotion. They would later attend the opening of the Thailand–Vietnam Business Seminar. The signing of an MOU between Vietjet and the EECO will also explore the feasibility of an aircraft maintenance center investment. Additionally, implementation of the “Three Connects” strategy, namely, connecting supply chains, local economies, and green initiatives, was agreed upon to enhance competitiveness of both Thailand and Vietnam, with energy security as a priority.

In science and technology, Thailand and Vietnam welcomed new cooperation through the Exchange of Diplomatic Notes between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam confirming that the two ministries are the lead agencies responsible for the implementation and coordination of cooperation under the Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation. The Prime Minister also urged both countries, as the largest economies in the Mekong sub-region, to play a leading role in driving sustainable regional development.

Toward the end of the meeting, the Vietnamese President extended his invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Vietnam. The Prime Minister emphasized that the outcomes of this meeting will further strengthen Thailand–Vietnam relations, which have flourished over the past 50 years, benefiting the people of both countries.