Vietnam, Thailand Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties with Leaders' Exchange of Greetings

2026 marks a special milestone in relations between Vietnam and Thailand as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (August 6, 1976–August 6, 2026). Over five decades of sustained efforts, Vietnam–Thailand relations have developed comprehensively, becoming one of the most dynamic and effective bilateral relationships in the region. Both leaders noted confidence that, with strong political will and close coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries, the Vietnam–Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would continue to develop in a more substantive and effective manner. Talking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Thailand on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic ties (August 6, 1976–2026), Ambassador Hung said the bilateral relationship has evolved from its early stages into one of ASEAN's most dynamic partnerships, underpinned by sustained political commitment and growing public support. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on US Ambassador Jennifer Wicks to leverage her role by working closely with Vietnamese authorities to promote all-level mutual visits and meetings, especially between high-ranking leaders, while establishing a regular and substantive dialogue mechanism between the two legislative bodies. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that Malaysia invest in Vietnam’s halal industry, covering capacity building, common halal certification standards and mutual recognition between the two countries’ national halal certification centres. NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man highly valued the ambassador’s significant contributions to cooperation between the two countries, including parliamentary ties, which have helped enhance the Vietnam–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on August 6 extended his congratulations to Khalida Boufedeche on her election as Speaker of the People's National Assembly (lower house) of Algeria. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation will pay state visits to Australia and New Zealand from August 9 – 14. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed that every citizen must improve digital literacy, strengthen self-protection skills and behave responsibly online. The collective efforts of 100 million people would form the nation’s strongest “digital fortress." In his concluding remarks, the leader stressed that infrastructure is no longer merely a foundation for production and daily life, but has become a decisive factor in enhancing national competitiveness. Presenting the Government’s proposals on the two projects, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh said the proposed Ring Road 5 project aims to develop a modern expressway belt linking Hanoi with surrounding provinces, urban centres, industrial parks and logistics hubs. The project is expected to meet growing transport demand, expand development space, stimulate socio-economic growth, strengthen national defence and security, and ease traffic congestion and environmental pressure. Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai said Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh have become among Vietnam’s leading economic localities by capitalising on their geographical advantages and development potential, playing an increasingly important role in the Red River Delta, the northern region and the national economy. An exhibition entitled "Woven Ties – 50 Years of Thailand–Vietnam Diplomatic Relations" opened in Hanoi on August 6 as part of the official visit to Vietnam by Sophon Zaram, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand. It showcases the rich cultural heritage, unique identity and artistic excellence of Vietnam and Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang noted with satisfaction the strong development of Vietnam-Malaysia relations, highlighted by the historic elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2024. He congratulated Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence on successfully hosting ASEAN military and defence meetings during its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, contributing to strengthening ASEAN centrality and promoting the bloc’s goals of peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. Against the backdrop of complex and rapidly evolving regional and international developments, cooperation in social sciences and political theory between the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration is expected to provide solid scientific evidence and databases to support the formulation of orientations, policies and strategies for socio-economic development. During the meeting, both sides affirmed that training cooperation remains a key pillar of the Vietnam–India defence relationship. The Air Force Officers College introduced its training programmes for military pilots, parachute and search-and-rescue officers, and aviation technical personnel. College leaders also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise training.