(MPI) - Based on the achievements and the maturity of the Vietnam - Malaysia relations, which presents numerous opportunities and potentials for further advancement, Party General Secretary To Lam and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking the historic significance of Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Malaysia from November 21-23.

Party General Secretary To Lam and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar. Photo: TTXVN

During the bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which were held in an atmosphere of sincerity and trust, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the Vietnam - Malaysia comprehensive cooperation that spanned over five decades of construction and development (1973- 2024), overcoming ups and downs in history and growing ever stronger.

In light of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two Governments affirmed the commitment to support each country's development path, to continue fostering and strengthening the friendly cooperation and political confidence between the two countries on the basis of respect for international law, independence, and each country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions. The directions and measures for the implementation of the the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership shall be in accordance with the socio-economic context, law and regulations of each country and the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

The two sides agreed on directions to further deepen and enhance relations in all fields, with a special focus on breakthrough measures to strengthen the connections, resolve difficulties and promote cooperation; to embark on a new chapter in the bilateral cooperation for peace, stability, sustainability, inclusivity and shared prosperity; and for a united, resilient and prosperous ASEAN Community.

Accordingly, both sides will strengthen trust and cooperation in politics, defence, security, and legal matters, creating a solid foundation that contributes to a peaceful and stable environment for development; effectively utilize existing mechanisms as well as to explore and establish cooperation mechanisms appropriate to the needs of cooperation in the new context.

Vietnam and Malaysia will enhance economic connectivity with a focus on sustainable growth, contributing to shared development and prosperity:  To promote linkages between the two economies through cooperation and mutual complement; to strive for a bilateral trade target of 18 billion USD or higher, towards balance and mutual benefit; to exchange information on regulations and policies related to each country's potential imports and exports; to strengthen cooperation to develop the Halal industry; to encourage businesses in one country to expand investment in the other country's market; to ensure shared benefits from oil and gas cooperation and consider establishing a mechanism to jointly develop cooperation in overlapping areas, if any.

The sides will expand cooperation in emerging fields such as the green economy, innovation, and science and technology, digital transformation, and green energy, and strengthening the close ties between the two countries in other important areas (cooperation in education, training, human resources development, labor, culture, sports, tourism and people- to-people links) to realize the goal of sustainable development.

Both countries will actively support and coordinate with each other on regional and international issues, for peace, security, and shared stability. They will strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral fora, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum; to promote stronger development and breakthrough of ASEAN in the coming years for the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and beyond; to support sub-regional cooperation and connectivity, including the Mekong sub-region.

Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed Vietnam will support Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and reaffirmed the country's commitment to work closely with Malaysia and all ASEAN Member States towards the realization of ASEAN Community Vision 2025, by promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and enhanced regional cooperation.

Both sides also reiterated the commitment to further promote equitable, inclusive and sustainable development across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment