PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (C) meets with Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Sen in Bangkok, November 3, 2019. (Photo: VGP)

The events took place on the sidelines of the ongoing 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Thailand.

Meeting with Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Sen, Mr. Phuc urged Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to promote cooperation in the Mekong sub-region and with other partners. The PMs discussed priorities in connectivity, sustainable development, trade and investment promotion, and improvement of people’s living standards in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Bangkok on November 3, 2019. (Photo: VGP)

Mr. Phuc and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang underscored the importance of promoting the stable and sustainable development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China. They agreed on measures to advance the two countries’ relations next year when bilateral diplomatic ties turn 70, stressing that delegation exchanges at all levels will be organised.

PM Phuc said Vietnam always works to improve bilateral relations. Mr. Li Keqiang said China attaches importance to its relationship with Vietnam, adding that it is ready to foster connections in many areas.

PM Phuc proposed working together to keep differences from affecting bilateral relations, maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the region, and continue to implement shared goals and the Sino-Vietnam agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues.

He called on the two countries to resolve maritime issues through peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He also asked China to respect Vietnam’s normal economic activities at sea in conformity with international law.

PM Phuc said Vietnam will defend its sovereignty, territory, seas, and islands in line with international law. PM Li said China also wants to control maritime differences and exercise self-restraint so as not to damage bilateral relations.

Meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, PM Phuc called on the IMF to continue helping Vietnam build development strategies, manage the macro-economy, and modernise economic governance.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at their meeting in Bangkok on November 3, 2019. (Photo: VGP)

Ms. Georgieva said the IMF considers Vietnam an example of strong growth associated with sustainable development, poverty reduction, rising incomes and improved living standards. The IMF hopes Vietnam will push on with restructuring, revising its growth model, removing barriers, paying attention to quality-based growth, and dealing with climate change-related matters.

She added that the IMF pledges to cooperate closely with Vietnam and ASEAN in 2020 when Vietnam will hold the ASEAN chairmanship.

While meeting with Prince Andrew, PM Phuc said he hopes the Prince will continue to support the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, and Vietnam’s development in start-up promotion, technology application in business and production, environmental protection, and socio-economic development in localities.

Prince Andrew pledged to actively contribute to the two countries’ relationship through concrete and practical actions, especially during Vietnam’s chairmanship of ASEAN next year.

The same day, PM Phuc and his wife attended a banquet hosted by Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife in honour of heads of delegations to the 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits.