PM Phan Van Khai held state banquet for Thai PM
Ha Noi, April 25 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai held a state banquet at the Government's Guest House in Ha Noi this evening in honour of the visiting Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Also present at the function were Deputy PM Pham Gia Khiem, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien, Public Security Minister Le Minh Huong, Trade Minister Vu Khoan and other senior government officials.
Speaking on this occasion, PM Khai said: "Rapid changes in the region and the world have brought about many opportunities but numerous challenges to all countries and as such, the consolidation and reinforcement of the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Thailand are of important significance not only to each country's development but also the ASEAN's unity and cooperation."
"For the strategic interests, should we work together to take our bilateral ties to new dimenssions in the spirit of long-term friendship, cooperation and stability. I am very pleased to know that you have shared this view with us and hope that your visit will be a new beginning of the Viet Nam-Thailand cooperative relations," Khai stressed.
In reply, the Thai Prime Minister said: "My visit as well as the recent Viet Nam visit by the Thai foreign minister have shed more light on Thailand's determination to deploy its foreign policy with top priority given to boosting and strengthening its cooperative ties with neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, especially Viet Nam, in order to bring a happy and prosperous life to our people."
"The two governments have affirmed their resolve to increase bilateral cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and in-land and air transport on the basis of mututal respect and equality for common benefits," he added.--VNA
