Thailand’s National Assembly President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sophon Zaram, arrived in Hà Nội on Wednesday to begin a three-day official visit to Việt Nam. The visit comes at the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and highlights the growing partnership between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The Thailand Vietnam Diplomatic Relations milestone is a key focus of the visit, which takes place as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. The anniversary marks five decades of cooperation and expanding relations between Việt Nam and Thailand.
Senior Vietnamese officials welcomed Sophon Zaram and the Thai delegation at Nội Bài International Airport. Among those present were National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyễn Doãn Anh and Vũ Hải Hà, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs.
The visiting delegation includes Thai Ambassador to Việt Nam Urawadee Sriphiromya, members of the Thai House of Representatives, parliamentary officials, and senior advisers.
The official trip follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent months. Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm visited Thailand in May, while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul traveled to Việt Nam in June.
Officials from both countries view these visits as signs of strong political trust and a shared commitment to deeper cooperation.
The current visit also reflects the importance Thailand places on its relationship with Việt Nam. Leaders from both sides have worked to strengthen cooperation across many sectors, including politics, trade, investment, education, and regional development.
Parliamentary diplomacy is expected to be a major topic during the visit. Both legislatures are seeking to expand cooperation and increase exchanges between lawmakers.
The visit is also linked to the 2023–2028 cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Thai House of Representatives. The agreement aims to strengthen communication, share legislative experience, and improve cooperation between parliamentary institutions.
Vietnamese officials believe stronger parliamentary ties can support broader bilateral goals. Lawmakers play an important role in creating policies, overseeing government activities, and promoting international cooperation.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phạm Việt Hùng said the visit provides an important opportunity for both sides to exchange views on legislative practices and parliamentary operations.
According to the ambassador, discussions are expected to focus on lawmaking, oversight activities, and decision-making processes. These exchanges can help both countries learn from each other and improve the effectiveness of their legislative bodies.
The visit is also expected to strengthen cooperation at regional and international forums. Both Việt Nam and Thailand are active members of several important organizations and regularly work together on regional issues.
Among the key forums are the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Through these organizations, lawmakers from both countries cooperate on issues related to development, security, economic growth, and regional integration.
Diplomatic observers note that parliamentary cooperation has become an increasingly important part of international relations. Strong links between legislatures can help support government agreements and encourage long-term collaboration.
Economic cooperation is another major area of focus. Thailand remains one of Việt Nam’s important partners in Southeast Asia. Trade and investment links between the two countries have grown steadily over the years.
Officials are expected to discuss ways to further increase business cooperation and improve economic connectivity. Areas such as transportation, logistics, and regional supply chains may receive special attention.
Education, science, technology, and innovation are also expected to be part of the discussions. Both governments have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in research, digital transformation, and knowledge sharing.
People-to-people exchanges remain another important pillar of the relationship. Tourism, cultural programs, educational exchanges, and community partnerships have helped strengthen understanding between the two nations.
As ASEAN members, Việt Nam and Thailand continue to work together on regional priorities. Cooperation within ASEAN supports peace, stability, and economic development across Southeast Asia.
The Thailand Vietnam Diplomatic Relations anniversary provides an opportunity for both countries to review past achievements while exploring new areas for future cooperation.
Officials believe the visit by Sophon Zaram will help strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, advance existing agreements, and create new opportunities for collaboration.
As meetings and discussions continue over the next three days, both sides are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a strong and growing partnership that supports shared development goals and regional cooperation.
