Mr Dung made the statement while receiving the outgoing Thai ambassador to Vietnam, Kittiphong Na Ranong, in Hanoi on May 18.  

Mr Dung expressed his pleasure at the positive development of the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand, especially in trade, investment, tourism and education.

He noted that two-way trade last year reached US$6 billion, and the figure is expected to rise to US$10 billion in 2010.

He acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions during his three-year term in Vietnam and hoped that in the new position, the diplomat would continue to help promote relations between the two countries.

The outgoing ambassador said that the Thai government attaches great importance to boosting ties with Vietnam and supports its neighbouring country in regional and international forums.

He vowed to do his best to cement ties between the two countries.