Hai Phong Strengthens Vietnam-Thailand Connections through People-to-people Exchanges

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The meeting was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya; Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong; former Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Nguyen Van Thanh; Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand and President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association Sanan Angubolkul; along with members of the Executive Committees of both Associations and leaders of local Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Associations.

Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, delivers a welcome address to the delegation of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association and the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

In his welcoming remarks, Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, stated that Vietnam–Thailand relations have continued to deepen in recent years, particularly since the two countries agreed to upgrade their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025. This marks an important step forward, affirming strategic trust and the shared determination of the two countries’ leaders to promote comprehensive and effective cooperation.

He emphasized the significance of the Central Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association and the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association choosing Hai Phong to host the Executive Committee Conference in the context of 2025 marking the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh welcoming 922 overseas Vietnamese from Thailand back to the country at Hai Phong Port - a historic milestone that links the city with Vietnam-Thailand people-to-people exchanges. Hai Phong is also striving for a strong transformation, aiming to become a modern, civilized, ecological, and livable industrial port city of regional standing in Southeast Asia; a pioneer in digital transformation, green transition, and innovation. The city attaches great importance to people-to-people exchanges as a foundation for strengthening international cooperation, including with Thailand. Hoang Minh Cuong expressed his confidence that the activities of the two Associations in Hai Phong will contribute to consolidating friendship, enhancing mutual understanding, and expanding cooperative links in the time ahead.

Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, speaks at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Nguyen Van Thanh affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy is one of the three pillars of Vietnam’s comprehensive and modern diplomacy. He noted that this conference carries special significance as it looks ahead to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2026. In the context of the two countries having upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, leaders on both sides have set requirements to enhance both the scale and quality of cooperation, in which people-to-people diplomacy plays an important role in promoting the strategic relationship.

He also informed that the 14th Conference between the Executive Committees of the two Associations, scheduled for December 11, will review activities over the past year and discuss orientations for the period ahead. At the same time, he expressed his hope to continue receiving support from the leadership of Hai Phong to ensure that people-to-people diplomacy develops in a deeper and more effective manner.

President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association Sanan Angubolkul speaks at the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association Sanan Angubolkul expressed his strong impression of Vietnam’s development, particularly following his visit to the DEEP C Industrial Zone in Hai Phong. He highly valued the scale and systematic investment by foreign partners there, viewing it as evidence of the attractiveness and credibility of Vietnam’s investment environment. He emphasized that DEEP C places strong emphasis on environmental protection, a core element of sustainable industrial development.

Delegates present flowers to congratulate President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Nguyen Van Thanh and President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association Sanan Angubolkul. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Sanan noted that the two Associations have carried out many meaningful activities that have contributed to promoting friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Looking ahead to 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, he expressed his hope that the two Associations will implement more activities to strengthen bonds. He proposed the publication of a commemorative volume marking the 50th anniversary, following the book produced for the 45th anniversary, and suggested organizing a Vietnam-Thailand friendly football match at an appropriate locality in the two countries.

Several Activies Planned for 50th Vietnam-Thailand Ties Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association prepares a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

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