Vietnam and Thailand discuss political and security issues

During the meeting the two sides focused on assessing the implementation of the results reached during the third Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet meeting in August, 2015; the action plan on carrying out strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand in the 2014-2018 period; and the implementation of discussions during the 7th meeting of the JWG.

The working program to implement the Thailand -Vietnam Security Outlook (TVSO) in the 2014-2016 period, and the results in the implementation of the TVSO in the 2012-2016 period, were also debated.

The two sides also concentrated on discussing the dialogue mechanism at the high-ranking level between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Royal Thai Police (RTP); increasing use of the hotline between navy forces of the two countries to promptly deal with problems arising at sea, including those relating to fishermen and vessels. In addition, solutions were discussed for effective implementation of the JWG mechanism, as well as the operation of another hotline on restricting and preventing illegal fishing between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Thai partners.

Prompt implementation of labour cooperation and prompt signing of a judicial assistance agreement in terms of commercial and civil matters were also agreed on by the two sides.

They agreed to increase cooperation inside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain the joint viewpoint about East Sea issues in accordance with obeying international law and contributing to ensuring peace, stability at the East Sea. 

The two sides also reached a consensus on the development, management and effective and sustainable use of the Mekong river water resources in line with international practices, ensuring the interests of nations in the lower reaches of the Mekong river./.