Vietnam-Thailand joint committee meets for sixth session   The Senior Officials’ Meeting under the framework of the first session of the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Committee took place in Bangkok on November 4. During the session, both sides discussed issues related to economics, trade, politics, security, national defence, diplomacy, education and culture. Political relations between Vietnam-Thailand have become significantly stronger in recent years, especially after the recent Thai visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during which, leaders of both nations issued a statement to upgrade the relationship to a strategic partnership. At present, two-way trade turnover has continued to grow, up 62% on last year’s level to more than US$8.6 billion. In the first three quarters of the year, bilateral trade value was estimated at US$5.4 billion, 14.2% higher than last year’s figure. Thailand ranks ninth among nations and territories investing in Vietnam with 315 projects capitalized at US$6.38 billion. Vietnam has nine investment projects in Thailand with a total value of over US$12 million. Both sides organised the first session of the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Committee last year and have continued to maintain a cooperative strategy on security and defence as well as co-ordinating sea patrols and.strengthening cooperation in cultural and social exchange. Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will co-chair the session of Vietnam-Thailand Joint Committee on November 5. Accordingly, the two sides will agree on an action plan to implement a strategic partnership.- VOV