Vietnam PM’s Visit to Malaysia to Boost Bilateral Ties, ASEAN Solidarity - Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama-VNA) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Malaysia from May 24 to 28 is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and ASEAN solidarity, said Vietnam’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Dinh Ngoc Linh.

He said the visit aligns with Vietnam’s foreign policy of promoting friendly neighbourliness and a comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Kuala Lumpur, Linh said the visit comes at a time when relations between the two countries are flourishing across multiple areas.

These include politics, diplomacy, defence and security, economy, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange.

He noted that leaders of both countries have maintained regular contact through phone calls, official visits and meetings during major regional and global forums.

During the visit, Chinh is scheduled to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other senior leaders.

The leaders are expected to share national development perspectives and discuss strategic directions to elevate bilateral cooperation.

Focus areas include political trust, defence-security, trade, investment, labour, tourism and people-to-people exchange.

Emerging sectors such as green economy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, innovation, and science and technology will also be explored.

On regional and global issues, both sides are expected to agree on ways to enhance coordination at international platforms.

This includes joint efforts to strengthen ASEAN unity and uphold the bloc’s centrality.

Linh added the Vietnamese Embassy views the visit and Chinh’s attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit as a top political priority for 2025.

The embassy is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and well-prepared visit.

He expressed hope that the visit would lead to an action plan to implement the strategic partnership and advance key cooperation agreements.

The visit is also seen as an opportunity to leverage existing mechanisms such as the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Commission and the Joint Trade Committee.

Linh said these platforms could unlock new potential and foster a favourable environment for growth.

He highlighted that economic, trade, and investment ties remain central to the Vietnam-Malaysia relationship.

Malaysia is currently Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and third-largest investor in ASEAN.

In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$14.2 billion, up 20 per cent from 2023, moving closer to the US$18 billion target.

Linh noted both countries hold complementary strengths, especially in the halal industry, green economy, digital transformation and renewable energy.

-- BERNAMA-VNA