KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Vietnam are committed to strengthening ties through a comprehensive strategic partnership, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking in a joint press conference with Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee general-secretary To Lam at Kompleks Seri Perdana here today (Nov 21), Anwar described the visit as "very meaningful".
"This is a very meaningful visit and it would enable both of our countries to enhance our relations to comprehensive strategic partnership.
"The general-secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam has been very forthcoming and supportive, and so are the leaders in Vietnam.
"I think we have expressed our appreciation and therefore, we will make sure that we will facilitate the collaboration in all fields… defence, marine, as you see in the two memorandums of understanding they signed with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and energy through the Asean Energy Grid," he said.
He said Vietnam's consistent support for Malaysian businesses, which had invested more than US$13 billion (RM61.2 billion) across 700 projects in the country, demonstrated the positive and proactive stance of Vietnamese authorities in supporting Malaysia.
This, he said, included Malaysia's term as Asean chairman.
Anwar said the next joint commission meeting between the two nations was expected to be held early next year in Kuala Lumpur, subject to agreement of both foreign ministers.
He said there were also plans to explore collaboration in the fishing industry, a move that would strengthen trust and friendship between the two nations.
"Since we have been rather successful in terms of the joint development authorities between two countries, we have agreed to explore the possibility of having joint effort in the fishing industry so that we can really work on the business of trust and friendship," he said.
Anwar also praised Vietnam's historical journey and its resilience in maintaining independence, expressing his anticipation for a visit to Dien Bien Phu, a historic battlefield.
Meanwhile, To Lam said both countries would continue to work closely to expand and deepen friendship and political trust on the basis of respect for international law, political systems, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the laws and regulations of respective countries on the basis of non-interference.
He said both countries would also be promoting economic connectivity and would strive to raise bilateral trade turnover to US$18 billion or more.
"We'll expand our cooperation in the halal industry development. We'll encourage our business to expand investments in each other's country and we also are committed to protect the legitimate interest in oil and gas corporations in maritime economy and in renewable energy
"And we also pledge to strengthen our cooperation in other areas, including in the green economy, innovations, science and technology, digital transformation, green energy and other areas," he said.