Vietnam and Malaysia Elevate Bilateral Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Malaysia announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during an official visit by H.E. Mr. Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to Malaysia. The joint statement was issued on November 21, marking a historic milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The visit, held from November 21 to 23, was conducted at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. H.E. Mr. Tô Lâm engaged in extensive discussions with key Malaysian leaders, including the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate, among others.
Strengthening Comprehensive Ties
In their joint statement, both nations underscored their shared commitment to advancing cooperation across a broad spectrum, including economic, trade, energy, defense, education, and cultural exchanges. This partnership builds upon decades of collaboration since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and the elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2015.
The leaders emphasized that the CSP reflects the maturity of Vietnam-Malaysia relations and highlights opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital transformation, and mutual trade. The two countries also set a bilateral trade target of USD 18 billion or higher, fostering mutual benefits and balanced growth.
Regional and International Cooperation
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN’s unity, centrality, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and stable South China Sea. Both nations pledged to uphold international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and called for progress in establishing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The leaders highlighted the importance of aligning sub-regional growth with ASEAN’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development. They also expressed support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, vowing to strengthen regional cooperation to ensure peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Next Steps for Implementation
To operationalize the CSP, the Foreign Ministries of both nations were tasked with formulating a detailed Plan of Action. This will include reviewing existing agreements and identifying new opportunities for collaboration in line with their shared vision for development and growth.
The visit concluded with mutual expressions of gratitude and invitations for further high-level engagements, signifying a new chapter in the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia.
