Vietnam and Malaysia vow to enhance strategic partnership
VOV.VN - Vietnam will work closely with Malaysia to promote the strategic partnership between the two countries in a deep and effective manner. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during their meeting in Indonesia on May 10.
Chinh and Anwar were in Indonesia for the 42nd ASEAN Summit that opened on the islands of Labuan Bajo island on May 10.
The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the positive results recorded in the Vietnam – Malaysia cooperation, especially in economy, investment and trade. To further promote these results, they agreed to maintain visit exchanges, and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly in 2023 when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of their diplomacy.
The two sides affirmed their determination to boost trade growth through fully tapping into the potential of cooperation, and increasing the import and export of their major staples, including farm products, food, and electronic components.
Chinh suggested that Malaysia create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods and services to access the Malaysian market, including Halal products, encourage Malaysian businesses to increase investment in Vietnam, assist Vietnamese workers in Malaysia under the 2022 labour cooperation agreement, and establish a maritime management and consultation mechanism.
Anwar affirmed that Vietnam is Malaysia’s important partner in the region, and Malaysia is looking forwards to Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Malaysia later this year. He also said he expects to visit Vietnam soon.
He assured Chinh that he will continue to direct relevant Malaysian agencies to further promote cooperation with Vietnam, including maritime cooperation. He agreed to consider setting up a hotline to facilitate the settlement of issues that may arise at sea.
Exchanging regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed that ASEAN should be the central force in Southeast Asia and the Asia - Indo - Pacific region. In line with this, they said Vietnam and Malaysia will work closely together to build a strong, resilient and united ASEAN Community, and will support each other’s candidacy at international organizations and the United Nations.
Reaffirming ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea, the two PM shared the importance of peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea. They said Vietnam and Malaysia will regularly work alongside other countries to successfully develop an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in accordance with international law.
On this occasion, Chinh invited Anwar to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.