Commanders Phuong Minh Hoa of Vietnam and Prajin Jantong of Thailand agreed to exchange high-level visits, strengthen training cooperation, share meteorological information, coordinate in flood and storm prevention, and consult on aviation medicine.
Lieut. Gen. Hoa affirmed both Vietnam and Thailand are preparing for relationship upgrade and national defence ties are an important part of the bilateral relationship.
Jantong said the fine relations between the two countries’ defence forces contribute to promoting mutual understanding and maintaining regional stability. He expressed his hope that the relations will serve as an example for defence cooperation among other regional partners.
Bilateral air force cooperation began with former Thai Air Commander Chalit Pukbhasuk’s Vietnam visit in February 2006.
The two air forces have regularly exchanged visits ever since and closely cooperate in training.
The two countries signed a cooperative national defence agreement in 2012, facilitating more visit exchanges, joint education and training, and information sharing.
Vietnam is striving to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Thailand as part of the ultimate ASEAN Community formation goal in 2015.
Hoa’s four-day visit also includes a meeting with Royal Thai Armed Forces Defence Force Chief Tanasak Patimapragorn, a visit to an air force officer training facility, and a tour of a Thai Air Force pilot training school.