Vietnam, Thailand military officers join first exchange

Photo: VNA

The first exchange between middle-ranking military officers of Vietnam and Thailand took place recently in the latter's capital city of Bangkok with the aim of increasing mutual understanding between the two armies.

The Vietnamese delegation with 10 members led by Major General Le Trung Hai visited a number of Thai military units such as the Peace-keeping Centre, the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, and the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, and had exchanges with officers there.

The guests also visited the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, and expressed their hope that it will come to Vietnam in the near future.

Defence relations between Vietnam and Thailand have been thriving over the past years, especially since the countries inked a defence cooperation agreement. They have increased all-level delegation exchanges such as a Vietnam visit by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy Admiral Kraison Chansuvanich and the tour of Thailand by Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Do Ba Ty.

Naval cooperation is a highlight in their defence ties with joint patrols conducted on the two countries' bordering waters which is said to have helped intensify mutual understanding and trust between the armies and ensured security at sea.

Thailand presented Admiral Nguyen Van Hien and Chief of the General Staff Do Ba Ty with the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.

The second middle-ranking officer exchange between the armies is scheduled to be held in Vietnam in early 2015.-VNA