Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets Malaysian counterpart

The two Prime Ministers highly valued efforts made by ministries and agencies of the two countries in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership in an increasingly extensive and substantive manner, with economic cooperation remaining a key pillar of the bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Pham spoke highly of remarkable growth in bilateral economic cooperation, with the two-way trade estimated to reach more than US$12 billion in first 9 months this year, up 12.9 percent year-on-year.

Prime Minister Anwar voiced support for Pham's proposal to sign Halal cooperation, affirming that Malaysia stands ready to help Viet Nam organize promotion activities for its agricultural products in his country.

Pham suggested the two countries cotninue working together to promote defense relations by effectively realizing the Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation signed in December 2023.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister also proposed the two sides soon sign cooperation agreements in the fields of security, education, and aviation while expanding cooperation in the areas of digital economy, green economy, science and technology, innovation, smart agriculture, e-government, cybersecurity, and workforce training for artificial intelligence.

Anwar agreed that both sides should set up a mechanism for maritime consultation and management, coordinate with other ASEAN Member States to push for practical oceaen and sea cooperation.

He also welcomed Viet Nam's efforts in combating illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, and agreed to collaborate closely with Viet Nam toward removal of the EC's yellow card warning against seafood exports.

On the occasion, Pham congratulated Malaysia on successfully hosting the 47^th ASEAN Summit and related Summits in all aspects, thereby contributing to promoting the bloc's role in settling regional issues and maintaining solidarity, peace, security and development in the region./.