Thai King and Queen Conclude State Visit to Vietnam, Strengthening Strategic Partnership

The King and Queen of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, concluded their state visit to Vietnam from September 14–16, following an invitation from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse. On the morning of September 16, the King and Queen paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum in Hanoi, laying a wreath and offering prayers for peace and the further progress of the Vietnam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This occasion marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with monks and Buddhists chanting prayers. During their visit, the royal couple also met with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man on September 15. Prime Minister Hung highlighted the significant room for mutual support and joint development, given the complementary strengths of the two economies. National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man called for stronger exchanges and practical cooperation between the Vietnamese legislative body and the National People’s Congress of China, particularly between their specialized committees, to deepen legislative cooperation and contribute to bilateral ties. This call for enhanced cooperation with China's legislative body is noteworthy within the context of Vietnam's focus on its relationship with China. The visit, timed to the 50th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand, is seen as part of Vietnam's efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations. Vietnam, under its one-party system, continues to pursue economic growth while endeavoring to build stable relationships with neighboring countries. Additionally, the article mentions ongoing negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Vietnam and Mercosur (Southern Common Market), as well as Vietnam's emphasis on promoting its cultural soft power and leveraging its overseas Vietnamese community. These developments indicate Vietnam's ambition to enhance its international presence and diversify its economy.