Vietnam, Thailand Vow to Deepen Ties Through Parliamentary Diplomacy

Vietnam and Thailand have agreed to bolster parliamentary cooperation to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, a move that underscores the growing importance of diplomacy between the two nations. The visit of Sophon Zaram, Speaker of the National Assembly and House of Representatives of Thailand, to Vietnam marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties. During his meetings with high-ranking Vietnamese officials, including former National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, both sides emphasized their commitment to advancing parliamentary diplomacy. This engagement coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (August 6, 1976–2026), a milestone that saw their bilateral ties elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May last year, signaling a new era of cooperation. Both countries committed to promoting parliamentary diplomacy under the framework of the 2023–2028 cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Thai House of Representatives. This initiative aims to build upon the existing comprehensive cooperation that spans politics, economy, trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as substantive relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP). Discussions also covered regional and international issues, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining peace, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation. They reaffirmed their support for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This stance reflects a shared commitment to regional stability and adherence to international norms, particularly in the context of the South China Sea. In Vietnam's one-party system, diplomacy is viewed as a crucial component of national comprehensive strength. Party diplomacy plays a strategic role across three levels: building the political foundation for the broader diplomatic landscape, contributing to policy formulation, and safeguarding ideological footing and strategic autonomy. The enhanced parliamentary diplomacy with Thailand is thus seen as an integral part of this national strategy. For Vietnam, a nation experiencing continuous economic growth, maintaining strong relationships with neighboring countries is vital for supply chain stability and improving its investment environment. Strengthening ties with Thailand, a key ASEAN member, not only boosts Vietnam's regional presence but also holds strategic significance in balancing its relationships, including with China. Source: VietnamPlus English