Kuala lumpur: Sihasak held bilateral talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Chu to continue the comprehensive strategic partnership. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister welcomed the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia leading to peace. Thailand is ready to send prisoners of war after Cambodia withdraws heavy weapons in accordance with the agreement. It is preparing to have the ICRC-AOT observe the situation in accordance with international humanitarian principles.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, held bilateral discussions with Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, during the 47th ASEAN Summit at the International Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Following the bilateral discussions, Mr. Sihasak revealed that several issues were discussed. First, regarding Thailand's hosting of the Lancang-Mekong Summit, Thailand took the opportunity to invite the Vietnamese leader to an official bilateral visit. Thailand and Vietnam have been elevated to a comprehensive level of partnership, a relationship of the highest level, which Vietnam attaches great importance to.
Mr. Sihasak emphasized the need for a comprehensive, forward-looking strategic action plan to achieve the partnership goals. He highlighted the importance of cooperation not just bilaterally, but also with ASEAN and other key countries to coordinate their stances. Vietnam agreed to this approach to move the relationship forward in all respects.
Investment by the Thai private sector was another significant topic of discussion. Thailand has major investment projects in Vietnam, particularly in the energy sector. Mr. Sihasak noted that as solar and wind power become cheaper due to new technologies, Thai investors had to adjust their pricing strategies. Vietnam is eager for private investment and recognizes the need to lower prices to facilitate this.
Regarding Thai banks, Mr. Sihasak expressed interest in obtaining full banking licenses for Thai banks in Vietnam, which he sees as crucial for Thai private sector investment. He hopes this will be advanced at the upcoming Trade Commission meeting.
The discussions also touched on the Mekong subregion, with Mr. Sihasak highlighting the importance of regional countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia being the driving forces in setting the direction for development, rather than external countries.
Mr. Sihasak conveyed the Vietnamese Foreign Minister's delight over the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which is expected to lead to mutual peace. The agreement includes Cambodia's commitment to withdraw heavy weapons, a process that will be observed by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
As part of the agreement's implementation, Thailand is ready to release captives following due process and medical examinations, with the International Red Cross (ICRC) involved for humanitarian reasons.
Lastly, the discussions included the situation in Myanmar, particularly the upcoming elections. Mr. Sihasak stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue with various groups to ensure the elections contribute to the peace process.