(Bqp.vn) - Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for newly-appointed Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Nikonrndej Balankura in Hanoi on November 18.
At the reception.
General Phan Van Giang congratulated Mr. Nikonrndej Balankura on being appointed Thai Ambassador to Vietnam and hoped that the Ambassador would continue to strengthen the Vietnam - Thailand intensive strategic partnership in general and defence cooperation in particular in the coming time. He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to its relations with neighboring ASEAN countries, including Thailand.
General Phan Van Giang recognized the Thai Government’s efforts in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and highly appreciated Thailand’s active and proactive role, position, and contribution in regional issues, especially in cooperation mechanisms within the ASEAN framework.
He expressed his hope that Thailand would continue to promote its role in strengthening intra-bloc solidarity, maintaining ASEAN's central role, and building a stronger ASEAN Community.
General Phan Van Giang stressed that the bilateral defence cooperation has continued to be maintained and consolidated, bringing practical effects in various fields over the past time, such as delegation exchanges, maintaining effective cooperation mechanisms, etc.
General Phan Van Giang and Ambassador Nikonrndej Balankura in a joint photo with delegates.
For his part, Ambassador Nikonrndej Balankura congratulated Vietnam on successfully responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that defence-security relations would continue to be a pillar for the development of the bilateral relationship. He also pledged to try his best to promote the bilateral relationship in a deeper and stronger manner in all fields, including defence cooperation.