PM confirms defence ties with Thailand

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (right) meets Thai Defence Minister, General Sukumpol Suwanatat in Ha Noi.—VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

HA NOI — Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has re-affirmed support for co-operation between the Vietnamese and Thai defence ministries.

At a reception for visiting Thai Defence Minister, General Sukumpol Suwanatat, in Ha Noi yesterday, Dung suggested the two ministries implement activities already agreed to, especially joint sea and air patrols.

He said he regarded the Thai Defence Minister's visit as a practical contribution to promoting co-operation between the two countries as well as peace, co-operation and development in the region.

Dung said that as a neighbouring country and an ASEAN member, Viet Nam was delighted to see the links develop strongly.

He also suggested both sides enhance ties in food production and exports.

The Thai general briefed the PM on talks he had with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh.

He said both sides agreed to boost the exchange of military delegations and step up co-operation in rice exports.

They also talked about international and regional issues of mutual concern.

At talks earlier in the day, the Thai Defence Minister signed an agreement on defence co-operation.

The agreement serves as a legal foundation for the two ministries to push ties in defence dialogue, training, joint sea patrols, coping with non-traditional security challenges and training human resources. — VNS