Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Commission on bilateral cooperation convenes sixth meeting
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah co-chaired the sixth meeting of the Vietnam – Malaysia Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation on November 15.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son andhis Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah co-chaired the sixth meeting ofthe Vietnam – Malaysia Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific andTechnological Cooperation on November 15.
Bothsides reviewed the implementation of the action programme for the 2017-2019period in all areas, and discussed orientations and focus of cooperation tolift the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia in a more practical manner.
Theyagreed to adopted the action programme for the 2021-2025 strategic partnershipwith major orientations to effectively tap each country’s potentials andstrengths, towards achieving sustainable and resilient developmentpost-pandemic with 18 billion USD in two-way trade by 2025. They also agreed to recognise each other's “vaccine passports” soon.
Sonsuggested Malaysia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to exportfarm produce to the country, help Vietnam develop Halal food industry, receivemore Vietnamese workers and simplify relevant procedures when conditions allow.
The Malaysian FM,for his part, said that Malaysia wishes to effectively boost ties withVietnam – the only strategic partner of Malaysia in ASEAN. He agreed withVietnam’s proposals and proposed the two nations’ ministries and agencies soondiscuss celebrations for the 50th anniversary of bilateraldiplomatic ties (2023).
Hesuggested Vietnam import more palm oil from Malaysia and offer support to Malaysia to open international education establishments in the country.
Thetwo sides consented to offer mutual support and work closely together atregional and global forums, especially at the United Nations, ASEAN andASEAN-led mechanisms. They vowed to tap opportunities and benefits fromnew-generation free trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement forTrans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Theyunderlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritimeand aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea, settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Theyalso expressed support for serious and full implementation of the Declarationon the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiations towards reaching an effective,efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with internationallaw, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Concluding the event,the two ministers signed the meeting's minutes and agreed to hold the seventh meet🐼ing in Vietnam at a convenienttime for both sides./.
Vietnam and Malaysia have effectively cooperated in many fields in recent years, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Le Quy Quynh in an inclusive interview with Bernama.
The Vietnam Malaysia Business Association (VMBIZ) and Malaysia’s Blue Ocean Capital Group Berhad (BOCGB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 20 to bolster collaboration and exchange between enterprises of both nations.
The Defence Ministries of Vietnam and Malaysia should consider setting up suitable dialogue mechanisms, including defence policy dialogue at the deputy minister level and joint working group on defence cooperation, thus creating a foundation for practical collaboration activities, officers have suggested.
The second Vietnam-Malaysia Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue took place virtually on April 28 under the chair of Assistant to the Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu and Deputy Secretary General at the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amran Bin Mohamed Zin.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA) 
