Excellent Vietnam-Malaysia Relations Despite Complex Global, Regional Landscape -- Ambassador
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Vietnam and Malaysia have maintained an excellent relationship that continues to expand at both the bilateral and multilateral levels amid the complex and ever-changing global and regional landscape.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Dinh Ngoc Linh said, “Political trust is strengthening, high-level exchanges are thriving, and bilateral trade in 2022 exceeded nearly US$15 billion, reflecting growth of over 15 per cent compared to 2021.
“Malaysia stands as the second largest ASEAN investor in Vietnam and ranks 10th among the 140 countries and territories investing in our nation, with a total capital of US$13 billion.
The ambassador said this at a reception held here Thursday night to mark the country’s 78th National Day and 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“We are each other's top partners within ASEAN. Collaboration in areas such as defence and security, culture and education, and people-to-people ties is also flourishing,” he added.
Recalling Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s two-day official visit to Vietnam in July, Linh said the visit has further solidified the political foundation between the two countries while injecting fresh impetus into cooperation in traditional fields such as politics, economy, defence, and security, and expanding into new areas like the digital economy, network security, and response to non-traditional security challenges.
“There is substantial room for further cooperation between our two countries, thanks to the internal strengths of each nation and the opportunities presented by the era of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Our shared interests and vision for regional security, prosperity, and sustainable development remain key drivers of our robust bilateral relations, contributing to a cohesive, responsive, and prosperous ASEAN Community amid comprehensive and profound changes that present both opportunities and challenges,” said Linh.
He also expressed confidence that the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations will achieve remarkable progress in the coming years, benefitting people and contributing to peace and prosperity in respective countries and the wider region.
The event was attended by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister (of Malaysia) Ewon Benedick as the Guest of Honour, and 500 guests consisting of officials of the local administration, ambassadors, business sector and representatives of the Vietnamese community here.
Vietnam is Malaysia's 12th largest trading partner in the world and the 10th biggest export destination in 2022 while Malaysia is Vietnam’s ninth largest trading partner.
Malaysia and Vietnam recorded a trade value of US$19.33 billion last year.
-- BERNAMA
