(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of reinforcing ties with Thailand during a reception in Hanoi on Friday for Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

He called for active implementation of the Joint Statement on the outcomes of the third Vietnam-Thailand Joint Cabinet’s meeting, the action program on the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership for 2014-2018 and bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Mr. Phuc said the Vietnamese government will create all possible support for Thai firms operating in the country and encourages Thai investment in the areas of oil and gas, electricity, construction of industrial zones, garments and textiles, food produce, chemicals, and tourism. He said the two sides should push ahead with the bilateral defense agreement and cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Royal Thai Police, promptly sign an agreement on criminal extradition, and increase the use of a hotline between the two countries’ navies to deal with arising issues at sea, including those involving fishermen and vessels. He asked Thailand to continue intensifying collaboration within ASEAN to maintain the bloc’s stance on the East Sea issue, toward the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Expressing thanks to Thailand for its support for Vietnam to recover from drought and saline intrusion in the southern region, Phuc said the two sides need to partner with countries and international organizations in the sustainable and effective use and management of Mekong water resources in accordance with international practices, ensuring the interest of downstream Mekong countries. 
Foreign Minister Pramudwinai underscored Thailand’s wish to develop ties with Vietnam across the board, considering it a top priority. On the East Sea issue, he said parties concerned must exert efforts to settle disputes and cooperation to transform the East Sea into an area of peace, stability and development.