Bangkok , June 4 (VNA) – The Air Forces of Vietnam and Thailand have agreed to tighten cooperation as the two countries are expected to upgrade their relations to a strategic partnership.
The agreement was reached during talks between visiting Commander of the Vietnam People’s Air Defence - Air Force Phuong Minh Hoa and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Prajin Jantong on June 4.
During the talks, the two sides pledge to exchange high-ranking delegations annually, foster cooperation in training, share experience in meteorology, as well as coordinate in flood and storm prevention and aviation medicine.
Lieutenant General Hoa affirmed that defence ties are currently contributing to boosting the two sides’ relationship, especially when Vietnam and Thailand have been proactive in upgrading the relationship to a strategic partnership.
Commander Prajin Jantong said the fine relationship between the two sides helps promote mutual understanding between the two peoples, and contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the region. He hopes the relationship will be an example of cooperation for other regional countries’ armies.
Vietnam-Thailand air force relations were first proposed during former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Chalit Pukbhasuk’s visit to Vietnam in February, 2006.
The two countries inked an agreement on defence cooperation in 2012. Vietnam has been boosting bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Thailand towards the formulation of an ASEAN Community by 2015, of which defence ties have been highlighted.
During his four-day visit, the Vietnamese Commander is scheduled to hold a courtesy meeting with Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Tanasak Patimapragorn and take part in other activities.
Vietnam News Agency
