Addressing the event, Nguyen Van Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee, said that after half a century of steady development, Vietnam-Thailand relations have grown robustly and comprehensively, becoming one of the most dynamic partnerships within ASEAN. In particular, the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 has created new opportunities for cooperation across politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Delegates visit the exhibition. (Photo: Ha Vy)

According to Nguyen Van Khoi, people-to-people diplomacy has always served as an important bridge, strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and bonds between the peoples of the two countries. Cultural exchange activities, educational cooperation, business connectivity, trade and investment promotion, local-to-local cooperation, and humanitarian programs have all helped establish a strong social foundation for Vietnam-Thailand relations.

He also affirmed that Can Tho is strengthening its role as the hub of the Mekong Delta while continuously expanding international cooperation. The city hopes to enhance connectivity with Thai partners in investment, trade, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, thereby further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Speaking highly of the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the leadership of Can Tho acknowledged the contributions of Consul General Wiraka Moodhitaporn in promoting cooperation between localities, strengthening business connectivity, and advancing Vietnam-Thailand people-to-people exchanges.

Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of the Kingdom of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, addresses the event. (Photo: Ha Vy)

In her remarks, Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of the Kingdom of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, described the elevation of Vietnam-Thailand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a significant milestone, reflecting the mutual trust and determination of both countries to advance bilateral relations to a new level.

According to her, Vietnam is an important partner of Thailand within ASEAN, with cooperation continuing to expand across politics, economics, trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Among these, cooperation between localities serves as an important foundation for strengthening the enduring friendship between the two countries.

The Thai Consul General described Can Tho as one of Thailand's key local partners. The sister-city relationship between Can Tho and Chachoengsao Province has established an effective mechanism for promoting cooperation and strengthening exchanges among authorities, businesses, and people on both sides.

The organizing committee presents flowers and gifts in recognition of the Executive Committee of the Can Tho Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association for its contributions to people-to-people diplomacy. (Photo: Ha Vy)

Regarding economic cooperation, by 2025 Thailand's total investment in Can Tho had reached approximately USD 119.25 million. Can Tho's exports to Thailand amounted to USD 28.8 million, while imports from Thailand totaled USD 10.7 million. According to Wiraka Moodhitaporn, these figures demonstrate that there remains substantial potential for further cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and tourism.

She also noted that the development of floating market tourism offers significant potential for Can Tho and Thailand to strengthen cooperation and share experience, both in preserving traditional cultural values and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the Thai Consul General said that activities involving cultural, educational, tourism, culinary, artistic, and youth exchanges have brought Thailand-Vietnam relations ever closer. She expressed her hope that friendship organizations, local authorities, business communities, and people of both countries would continue working together to contribute to the development of bilateral friendship and cooperation in the new period.

Many outstanding and engaging cultural performances were presented at the gathering. (Photo: Ha Vy)

On this occasion, the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City introduced Muay Thai demonstrations and traditional Thai dance performances to the people of Can Tho. Performed by Thai artists and Vietnamese students, the performances helped promote Thai culture and further strengthen exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.

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