Thai PM begins official visit to Vietnam

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul departed for Hanoi today, on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Vietnamese President To Lam.

Anutin will hold bilateral talks with Vietnam's senior leaders, to strengthen relations further between the two countries.

The trip marks Anutin's first official visit to Vietnam as prime minister and comes shortly after To Lam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, paid an official visit to Thailand on May 28.

During his stay in Hanoi, Anutin is scheduled to meet Vietnam's president, prime minister and chairman of the National Assembly.

Tomorrow, the Thai prime minister will also attend the ‘3rd ASEAN Future Forum’, a strategic platform on which to discuss ASEAN's future direction and development.

It brings together regional leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics and other stakeholders to exchange views on key regional issues.

Although the forum has been held twice before, this will be the first time that a Thai prime minister has attended in person, underscoring Thailand's commitment to the platform and its close relationship with Vietnam.

This year's forum is being held under the theme ‘Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centred’ and is said to focus on strengthening ASEAN's role in addressing global challenges and uncertainties while promoting peace, prosperity and a people-centred regional community.

Leaders expected to attend include the prime ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

On the same day, Anutin will attend the ‘Thailand-Vietnam Investment and Business Forum’, organised by Thailand's Board of Investment.

Accompanying Anutin to Hanoi are Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Representatives of leading Thai companies with investments in Vietnam are also among Anutin's delegation.