21-11-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Vietnam’s top political figure, General Secretary To Lam, arrived in Malaysia Thursday for a landmark three-day visit aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Lam at Dataran Perdana, where the Vietnamese leader inspected an honour guard comprising 105 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, commanded by Major Mohamad Fikri Senan.
The ceremonial welcome was attended by both Malaysian Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside Cabinet ministers and diplomatic corps representatives.
During subsequent bilateral talks, the leaders focused on advancing cooperation across vital sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, halal industry development, energy, and digital technology. The discussions culminated in the signing of two significant agreements: a trade promotion memorandum between Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), and an energy collaboration agreement between PETRONAS and PetroVietnam focusing on renewable energy initiatives.
The visit underscores the robust economic partnership between the two nations, with Vietnam currently ranking as Malaysia’s eleventh largest global trading partner and fourth largest within ASEAN. Bilateral trade reached RM80 billion in 2023, with Malaysian exports to Vietnam accounting for RM52 billion.
Malaysian investments in Vietnam have been particularly significant, with over 700 projects valued at US$13.1 billion, highlighting the growing economic interdependence between the two nations.
Lam’s itinerary includes meetings with Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul at Parliament, further cementing diplomatic ties between the two ASEAN partners.
