A ceremony in HCM City on August 21 marks the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and Việt Nam. — VNS photo Hồng Linh

HCM CITY — Music and dance performances featuring the distinct cultures of the Kingdom of Thailand and Việt Nam marked the opening ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two Southeast Asian nations, held on August 21 in HCM City.

Hoàng Nguyên Dinh, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, said that 50 years ago, on August 6, 1976, Việt Nam and the Kingdom of Thailand established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in the history of their relations.

This relationship has continually grown, strengthened and been elevated to new heights: from the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013, its elevation to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025.

Thailand is currently one of Việt Nam’s leading economic partners in ASEAN, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding US$22 billion in 2025.

Thailand and Việt Nam cooperate in many fields, such as culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The two nations also continue to expand cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green economy and green energy.

“In this new stage of development, Việt Nam and Thailand share not only strategic interests, but also increasingly convergent development visions. Through the ‘three connects’ strategy, including connecting supply chains, connecting local economies, and connecting sustainable development strategies, our two countries are forging closer and more mutually reinforcing economic linkages, with the shared goal of raising bilateral trade to $25 billion at an early date.”

From HCM City's perspective, Dinh noted that the city was committed to serving as an active bridge, contributing to deepening the friendship between the people of the two countries and promoting increasingly close connections between Việt Nam and Thailand, as well as between HCM City, Bangkok and other Thai localities.

Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that over the past 50 years, the bilateral relationship has grown from strength to strength, and this year has provided a strong reflection of momentum in the two countries' relationship. 

He added that Việt Nam’s Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm had an official visit to Thailand from May 27 to 29 and Royal Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had an official visit to Việt Nam on June 8. 

“These high-level exchanges demonstrated the strong commitment of both countries to deepening our comprehensive strategic partnership and provide an opportunity to mark our 50th anniversary at the highest level,” he said.

He also highlighted that over the years, Thailand and Việt Nam have become increasingly connected through people, businesses and communities. He mentioned that both countries should also deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and innovation, while creating more opportunities for businesses, communities and younger generations.

“As close ASEAN partners, Thailand and Việt Nam also have much to contribute together. By working together, we can help build a stronger, more connected, more resilient and more prosperous ASEAN.”

The event was co-organised by the HCM City People's Committee and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in HCM City. — VNS