Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng (r) receives Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan in Hà Nội on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s consistent policy is to treasure and promote its friendship with Thailand, Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng has said.

Hosting Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan in Hà Nội on Wednesday, the leader stressed the Thai military delegation’s visit to Việt Nam would help enhance ties between the two militaries and boost the Việt Nam - Thailand strategic partnership.

He took the occasion to thank the Thai government and people for assisting Việt Nam during national construction and defence.

Wongsuwan said Thailand would work with Việt Nam in promoting regional peace, stability and co-operation, as well as effectively implementing signed agreements, he said, adding that he supports the promotion of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

After the welcoming ceremony in Hà Nội the same day, host Minister of Defence Ngô Xuân Lịch held talks with his Thai counterpart, during which both sides spoke highly of the co-operation between the two countries and reached a consensus on collaborative plans for the future.

Since the two countries upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership in 2013, defence ties have developed, with regular delegation exchanges and collaboration between their air forces and navies. Dialogue mechanisms between the two ministries in particular have shown outstanding efficiency.

Việt Nam is ready to support Thailand as the country starts its role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2019. As Việt Nam becomes ASEAN Chair in 2020, it hopes the neighbouring country will share experience in preparing and managing all conferences.

Regarding the search for and repatriation of Vietnamese martyrs’ remains, Thai veterans and authorities have provided information about Vietnamese soldiers who went missing or died in the country during wars.

In the future, both sides will continue their co-operative mechanisms, maintain delegation exchanges, promote language training and co-ordinate at multilateral forums. — VNS