President Luong Cuong receives Saudi Arabia and Philippines Ambassadors
VOV.VN - Vietnamese President Luong Cuong hosted meetings with outgoing Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy of Saudi Arabia, and outgoing Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre of the Philippines at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on December 31.
Strengthening Vietnam–Saudi Arabia relations
President Cuong praised Ambassador Dahlwy for his outstanding contributions to promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation. Highlighting Saudi Arabia as a key partner in the Middle East, the President noted shared development goals, values of peace and collaboration, and Saudi Arabia’s growing regional and global role.
The President commended Saudi Arabia’s achievements under its “Saudi Vision 2030” strategy and emphasised the positive progress in Vietnam–Saudi Arabia relations during the ambassador’s tenure. Bilateral trade grew an average of 7–8% annually from 2023 to 2025, with a target of US$10 billion by 2030.
Building on the strong friendship between the two countries, the President suggested that both sides should aim to establish a higher-level framework for cooperation, commensurate with their potential and the level of political trust between them.
He expressed hope that Ambassador Dahlwy would continue supporting bilateral cooperation in his future role.
On this occasion, President Cuong invited the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to visit Vietnam.
For his part, Ambassador Dahlwy conveyed greetings from Saudi leadership and expressed pride in the strong development of economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Vietnam–Philippines Strategic Partnership
In his meeting with Ambassador Montealegre, President Luong Cuong recognised the ambassador’s role in enhancing Vietnam–Philippines cooperation. He offered condolences over the devastating impact of recent natural disasters in the Philippines and reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to provide support under ASEAN Strategic Partnership principles.
The President stressed the two countries’ shared strategic interests within ASEAN, highlighting robust growth in trade, defence collaboration, cultural exchange, tourism, education, and people-to-people links. He urged further high-level engagement, expanded defence and security cooperation, and stronger trade relations to leverage the full potential of both countries.
Ambassador Montealegre expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s support and recalled the Philippine President’s state visit to Vietnam in January 2024, which resulted in key agreements across defence, tourism, agriculture, culture, and education. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality and sought Vietnam’s support during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
Vietnam strengthens ties with GCC, Qatar, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia
VOV.VN - Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang has held meetings with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia to discuss stepping up cooperation in economics, trade, investment, energy, tourism, and labor, while also speeding up negotiations on the Vietnam-GCC FTA, aiming for sustainable and comprehensive development.
