Vietnam and Malaysia Strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership During High-Level Talks
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Tô Lâm hosted a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday evening for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Vietnam to attend the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2025.
During the meeting, General Secretary Lâm expressed his pleasure in welcoming PM Anwar to Vietnam once again and recalled the warm hospitality extended to him and his high-ranking delegation during his official visit to Malaysia in November 2024. He highlighted the significance of that visit, which marked a historic milestone by elevating Vietnam-Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with key measures to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Vietnamese leader congratulated Malaysia on its economic progress, noting the country’s 5.1% growth rate in 2024, which represents a 1.5% increase compared to 2023. He expressed confidence that Malaysia would soon emerge among the top 30 largest economies in the world within the next decade.
PM Anwar expressed his admiration for President Hồ Chí Minh and Vietnam’s struggle for independence, particularly the historical significance of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. He also commended Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in national development and affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
Both leaders agreed on major cooperation directions, emphasizing:
- High-Level Exchanges: Strengthening diplomatic engagements at all levels.
- Economic and Trade Relations: Boosting bilateral trade, which is approaching the US$18 billion target set by both nations.
- Sectoral Collaboration: Enhancing ties in defence, security, labour, education, culture, tourism, and investment while unlocking untapped potential in energy, oil and gas, and fisheries.
- Regional and Global Cooperation: Reinforcing partnerships within ASEAN and the United Nations to address common challenges.
PM Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to advancing trade and investment cooperation and closely coordinating efforts to foster new economic opportunities. He also supported Vietnam’s initiatives in culture, education, and tourism, leveraging emerging trends for mutual benefit.
Commitment to Regional Stability and ASEAN Cooperation
Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining regional security and stability, particularly in the East Sea (South China Sea). They agreed to:
- Uphold ASEAN’s common stance on the East Sea.
- Ensure the full and serious implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
- Expedite negotiations for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Additionally, General Secretary Lâm reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, pledging to work closely with other ASEAN members to advance Malaysia’s priorities and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The high-level discussions reflect the deepening ties between Vietnam and Malaysia, paving the way for stronger regional cooperation and a future of mutual prosperity.
