Vietnamese Deputy PM Strengthens Cooperation with Laos and UAE at WGS 2025
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS 2025) in Dubai on February 11, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Vietnam-Laos Cooperation
During his meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy PM Sơn highlighted Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and its commitment to implementing reforms for a streamlined and efficient political system. He expressed satisfaction with the strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between Vietnam and Laos, noting that two-way trade reached US$2.25 billion in 2024, reflecting a 38.2% year-on-year increase. He further acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve challenges in key joint projects.
Prime Minister Sonexay reaffirmed Laos’ prioritization of its great friendship and special solidarity with Vietnam. He urged Vietnam to continue sharing expertise in macroeconomic stability and building an independent, self-reliant economy.
Both sides agreed to implement agreements reached during recent high-level meetings, focusing on cooperation in politics, diplomacy, national defense, security, trade, and transport connectivity. They also committed to strengthening economic, cultural, educational, healthcare, and scientific collaborations while enhancing investment effectiveness and improving Laos’ economic infrastructure.
Vietnam-UAE Relations
Deputy PM Sơn also met with UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The UAE official recalled Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s visit to the UAE in October 2024, noting that Sơn’s participation at WGS 2025 demonstrated Vietnam’s dedication to reinforcing bilateral ties.
Sơn emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to boost trade, investment, defense, green transition, digital transformation, and labor cooperation. He welcomed UAE investment in key sectors and acknowledged the visit of the UAE Minister of Investment to Vietnam on February 7-8, where specific projects for future cooperation were discussed.
In a separate meeting with UAE Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both officials expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in bilateral cooperation, including increased delegation exchanges, enhanced trade and investment promotion, and ongoing discussions on potential investment projects. They agreed to expedite the signing of an action plan to effectively implement the comprehensive partnership.
Sơn also conveyed official invitations from Vietnam’s top leaders to the UAE President and Prime Minister for an official visit to Vietnam. He further stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade to US$20 billion, with the goal of launching CEPA implementation in the first quarter of 2025.
Strategic Investment and Cultural Collaboration
Vietnam sought UAE support in developing international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, as well as free trade zones in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Hai Phong. Additionally, Sơn called for enhanced cooperation in the Halal industry, facilitating Vietnamese Halal product exports to the UAE and the broader region.
Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed these proposals, emphasizing Vietnam’s rising global standing and its strategic importance as a partner for the UAE. He highlighted Vietnam’s young, skilled workforce and its potential to attract major UAE investments in diverse sectors.
Both leaders agreed to expand labor cooperation, given the UAE’s growing demand for a diversified expatriate workforce. They also planned to enhance cultural ties through the establishment of cultural centers in each country to promote people-to-people exchanges.
Deputy PM Sơn invited Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Vietnam, an invitation which was warmly accepted.
These discussions at WGS 2025 underscore Vietnam’s proactive approach to strengthening international partnerships, fostering economic growth, and advancing regional stability through diplomacy and strategic cooperation.
