THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Gov’t chief receives Malaysian Minister of Defense
VGP - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for Malaysian Minister of Defense Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan in Ha Noi on December 4.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Malaysian Minister of Defense Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan at the Government Office in Ha Noi, December 4, 2023 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Prime Minister Pham was convinced that Malaysia will successfully implement its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, turning the country into a high-income nation with an increasing position on the international arena.
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, two-way trade hit nearly US$15 billion last year, up 17 percent year-on-year.
Malaysia is Viet Nam's second largest investor in ASEAN, ranking 10th out of 140 countries and territories investing in the country, with a total registered capital of US$13 billion. Viet Nam now has 21 investment projects in Malaysia with a total registered capital of over US$850 million.
Pham expected to cement and deepen bilateral strategic partnership in all areas, including the exchange of all-level delegations, investment, trade, culture, education-training, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
He suggested Malaysia support Viet Nam to remove "yellow card" warning card" against seafood exports, develop the Halal industry, and open the door for Vietnamese Halal products.
As the two active members of ASEAN, the Prime Minister said Viet Nam and Malaysia should continue to support and put foward practical initiatives and actions to uphold the solidarity and central role of ASEAN in the regional security architecture.
In reply, the Malaysian Minister of Defense affirmed that Viet Nam is an important partner of Malaysia in the region and the only country in ASEAN with which Malaysia has established a strategic partnership.
Mohamad briefed the host about the outcomes of his talks with the Vietnamese Defense Minister in which the two ministers agreed to spur the exchange of delegations, soon establish consultation and dialogue mechanisms.
They were unanimous in strengthening coordination among military forces, boosting collaboration in areas where both sides have strengths and needs such as training, defense industry, logistics, medical services and disaster relief.
The two sides also agreed to continue active consultation and mutual support at global and regional security forums./.