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The Conference was attended by Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam, Urawadee Sriphiromya; Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong City; Nguyen Van Thanh, former Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association; Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Trade Council, and President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association; representatives from the Hai Phong City Union of Friendship Organizations; leaders of city departments and agencies; the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in 12 localities; and members of the Executive Boards of both Associations.

Promoting cooperation through people-to-people exchanges

Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, delivered a welcoming speech at the conference. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Speaking at the Conference, Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, appreciated the two Associations' choice of Hai Phong as the venue for the 14th Conference, demonstrating their trust and respect for the city's prestige and role in promoting international cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. As a major industrial, commercial, logistics, and seaport center of the country, Hai Phong has always proactively promoted cooperation with international partners, with Thailand being one of the important partners.

The city expects this Conference to create more in-depth exchanges and propose substantive cooperation, contributing to the formation of new cooperation programs between Vietnam and Thailand in general, and between Hai Phong and Thai localities and businesses in particular. Hai Phong hopes to continue receiving the cooperation of the two Associations in promoting people-to-people exchanges, strengthening mutual understanding and trust, and expanding cooperation networks in line with the vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed upon by the high-level leaders of the two countries.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya assessed the Conference as an opportunity for the two Associations to review the results of their cooperation over the past period and to develop directions for activities towards 2026 – the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand. She acknowledged the efforts of the two Associations in expanding people-to-people exchange programs in the fields of education, culture, sports, and economics; and thanked the Thai Embassy in Vietnam for its cooperation in these activities. The Ambassador affirmed that 2025 is a pivotal year in the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and that the Embassy will continue to work closely with the two Associations to promote bilateral cooperation.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya spoke at the conference. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, stated that despite the complex international context, the relationship between the two countries continues to develop positively. Upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership opens a new chapter with a long-term vision, strategic trust, and shared aspirations for a connected and sustainable future.

He noted that economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries continues to grow. In the first nine months of 2025, bilateral trade reached over US$16 billion, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period in 2024. Thailand is the second largest ASEAN investor in Vietnam with 761 projects and a total capital of over US$14.8 billion. The two countries are also promoting the implementation of the "Three Connections" and "Five Enhancements" strategies, fostering the "Six Countries - One Destination" tourism cooperation initiative, and currently have 20 pairs of localities in the two countries establishing sister city relationships.

Nguyen Van Thanh assessed that over the past year, the two Associations have implemented diverse activities, such as coordinating the organization of events on major anniversaries of the two countries; participating in activities organized by the Thai Embassy in Vietnam; connecting businesses; donating medical equipment; exchanging students; promoting sister-city relationships; friendly sports exchanges. These activities contribute to enhancing understanding and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, delivered the opening remarks. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Looking ahead to 2026 - the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand - he suggested that the two Associations focus on preparing commemorative activities and contributing to the implementation of the Action Program for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand for the period 2025-2030. In addition, the two Associations should continue to play a bridging role, strongly promoting people-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generation; strengthening educational cooperation and student exchanges; expanding Vietnamese language centers in Thailand and Thai language centers in Vietnam; supporting businesses from both sides in connecting investment and trade; and contributing to promoting tourism cooperation under the “Six Countries - One Destination” initiative.

Speaking at the Conference, President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association Sanan Angubolkul, expressed his deep sympathy for the damage caused by recent storms and floods in Vietnam. He stated that the Thai community and the Thai-Vietnamese community in both Thailand and Vietnam are looking towards Vietnam, sending their condolences and sincere feelings to the people in the affected areas. According to him, this is clear evidence of the close ties between the two associations and between the people of the two countries.

Sanan Angubolkul highly appreciated the orientation and planning for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand presented by the leaders of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association; and emphasized that this meeting is an important opportunity for both sides to exchange more detailed information about activities for 2026.

Recalling the results of cooperation over the past year, he highlighted a notable activity - the friendly football match between the U17 women's teams of the two countries - and expressed his hope that next year's friendly match will be held in Thailand. He also affirmed Thailand's determination to publish a commemorative publication on the 50th anniversary of Thailand-Vietnam relations next year.

Sanan Angubolkul, President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association, spoke at the conference. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Sanan Angubolkul stated that Vietnam and Thailand both possess unique strengths, and combining these advantages will multiply that strength, creating a synergistic effect across all fields. The upgrading of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year will foster mutual understanding and expand cooperation between states, between the private sector, and between the people of the two countries. He emphasized that the close understanding and strong bond between Thailand and Vietnam are based on the firm belief that this friendly relationship will continue to bring shared, sustainable, and long-term benefits to both nations.

Proposals for expanding multi-sectoral cooperation

Delegates from both associations and representatives from provincial and city associations discussed and contributed ideas to refine the direction of coordinated activities in the coming period.

Torphong Chaiyasan, Advisor to the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association, assessed that the two associations maintain many rich and substantive activities - a rare occurrence in people-to-people diplomacy. He emphasized that the central task of the two associations in the coming year will be significant, especially promoting people-to-people connections - the sustainable foundation of bilateral relations.

He suggested that cultural exchanges need to be expanded further, particularly in the field of cuisine - a “bridge without language” that clearly demonstrates empathy and goodwill. He proposed that both sides promote each other's cuisine to spread cultural values.

Nguyen Xuan Lac, President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association of Ha Tinh province, introduced the advantages of the Vung Ang deep-water port and invited Thai businesses to cooperate in processing and exporting seafood and specialty fruits. He also proposed developing joint tourism products based on the shortest connecting route from Northeast Thailand to Ha Tinh.

Delegates discussed at the conference. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Tran Viet, President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association of Tuyen Quang province, emphasized the potential for cultural and historical exchange between the two localities, linked to President Ho Chi Minh's journey, and suggested strengthening activities for the younger generation.

Vo Kim Cu, President of the Board of Directors of the Ngoc Linh Ginseng Pharmaceutical Group of Vietnam, suggested promoting communication to spread awareness of the activities of the two associations and increase opportunities for business connections in the fields of culture, society, health, tourism, and trade.

Tran Thi Mai, former President of the Union of Friendship Organizations of Thua Thien Hue province (formerly), and Standing Committee member of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, stated that Hue has benefited from Vietnam-Thailand cooperation, from the first exchange students, to the student-lecturer exchange network, art festivals, and four Kathina robe offering ceremonies. In 2026, Hue plans to organize a student-faculty exchange program and a Thai Culture Day featuring Thai cuisine, exhibitions, and art exchanges.

Concluding the conference, Nguyen Van Thanh stated that since the 13th Conference, the two Associations have summarized eight major groups of results, including many concrete products such as projects, events, and especially activities to raise awareness and train the next generation.

Regarding the direction for 2026, the two Associations agreed on seven key tasks, including celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations; a golf exchange program for businesspeople from both countries; meetings with businesses during the Lunar New Year; a business networking conference to support finding partners, markets, and investment opportunities; and promoting exchanges between localities based on the existing sister city network between 20 Vietnamese provinces and cities and localities in Thailand.

The two Associations also strengthened cooperation in education and training through student exchanges, university connection, and the expansion of Vietnamese language centers in Thailand and Thai language centers in Vietnam. The Thai side considered providing additional scholarships for disadvantaged Vietnamese students. Furthermore, they promoted cooperation in tourism, healthcare, and other potential areas.

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