The Vietnamese government and people have always valued their relationship and multi-faceted co-operation with Thailand, affirmed Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

Mr Khai said so during his meeting with visiting president of the Privy Council and Statesman of Thailand, General Prem Tinsulanonda, in Hanoi on April 8.

He welcomed Mr Prem's visit as a contribution to boosting the Vietnam-Thailand relations in the coming time.

The Vietnamese government leader expressed his high appreciation for the way in which the Thai people, under the leadership of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, have been able to pull the Thai economy out of the difficulties it faced after the 1997 Asian economic crisis.

Mr Khai said that the co-ordination between Vietnam and Thailand is not only for the interests of the two countries but also important for the strengthening of solidarity and co-operation among ASEAN countries in the new situation.

Mr Prem expressed his delight at the fine steps of development in the relationship and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries in the recent past, especially after Vietnam's joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He said that, through Vietnam visits by members of the Thai Royal Family and the exchange of visits by the two countries' high-level delegations and ministries as well as meetings at regional forums such as ASEAN, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum, the two nations have enhanced mutual trust and understanding, creating the basis for long-lasting co-operation for mutual benefit.

Mr Prem arrived in Hanoi on April 8 beginning an official visit to Vietnam as guest of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

Mr Khai hosted a banquet in honour of Mr Prem and other distinguished Thai guests on the same evening. (VNA)