21-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, expressed the country’s commitment to developing a strategic partnership with Vietnam. During his official visit to Vietnam on July 19 to 20, Zambry co-chaired the 7th meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation between the two nations.
The visit was deemed significant as it coincided with Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Vietnam and marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia.
In the meeting, both foreign ministers reviewed and evaluated the implementation of agreements signed by senior leaders of both countries, including the Action Programme on carrying out the Vietnam-Malaysia strategic partnership for the 2021-2025 period.
As part of their efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership, the two sides agreed to propose key orientations to their respective prime ministers. These include intensifying exchange visits and meetings at all levels, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and expanding defense and security cooperation.
Both countries also set a target to increase two-way trade to US$18 billion (RM82 billion) in a more balanced direction while limiting the application of trade barriers. They also sought to capitalize on opportunities from regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), in which both countries participate.
Furthermore, the two nations committed to enhancing cooperation in various critical sectors, including marine technology, oil and gas, education and training, labor, transportation, culture, sports, tourism, and collaboration among localities. They also aimed to expand into new areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy.
Additionally, both sides sought to expedite the signing of cooperation documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on training diplomatic staff.
The top diplomats also engaged in discussions on international and regional issues of mutual concern and pledged to continue closely coordinating and supporting each other at multilateral forums. They reaffirmed their readiness to stand together with other ASEAN member states in maintaining solidarity and upholding ASEAN’s central role in addressing strategic issues in the region.
The meeting between the foreign ministers of Malaysia and Vietnam highlighted the growing importance of their bilateral relations and laid the groundwork for further strengthening cooperation and collaboration in various key areas.
