The President made the comment in an interview granted to the Malaysian news agency Bernama on the occasion of his State visit to Malaysia from Sept. 28-30.

He said the visit shows the desire of the Vietnamese leaders and people to further consolidate and enhance their friendship and cooperation with Malaysia in the areas of mutual interest and at regional and global forums.

His meetings with Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Billah Shah and other high-ranking leaders will outline orientations for bilateral cooperation in the coming time, particularly in economics, trade and investment, he stressed.

Bilateral cooperation in other fields, including security, defence, education-training, culture, sports, tourism and oil and gas, has continue to grow and flourish, said Mr. Sang.

The State President expressed hope that both sides will enhance measures to promote investment and trade so as to balance two-way trade, and affirmed Vietnam’s policy to facilitate Malaysia’s businesses investment in Vietnam’s market.

He suggested Vietnam and Malaysia boost cooperation in combating trans-national crime and terrorism as well as in joint patrol at sea.

Mr. Sang called on Malaysia to continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese citizens to live and work in the country.

As ASEAN members, the two countries can assist each other to promote ASEAN solidarity and connectivity towards the building of the ASEAN Community by 2015, he added.