Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha have met in Bangkok to discuss measures to boost bilateral economic ties.

In their talks held on December 20, PM Dung thanked Thailand for its warm welcoming of the Vietnamese delegation to attend the fifth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) summit, saying he hoped that the summit would be successful.

The two PMs expressed their delight at the fine development of neighbourly relations and strategic partnership between the countries and agreed to implement the agreements reached during Thai PM’s visit to Vietnam in November 2014.

The concurred to bolster trade and investment cooperation, specifically singling out rice and rubber cooperation, and enhance transport connectivity. In this vein, they agreed to open bus routes connecting Vietnam and Thailand to promote cultural and tourism exchange.

PM Prayut Chan-ocha reported that Thailand has consented to allow Vietnamese labourers to work in the country and would consider negotiating a labour cooperation agreement.

The two sides have been determined to step up cooperation in handling violations pertaining to fishermen’s activities in accordance with international law and the sound friendship relations. They agreed to continue to bolster cooperation at regional and international forums.

For his part, PM Dung underscored the importance of closer cooperation in the sustainable and effective use of Mekong River water resources for the benefit of people living along the river and for the sake of regional cooperation and development.