VIETNAM, MALAYSIA ELEVATE BILATERAL RELATIONS TO COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam announced the elevation of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya today, Lam underscored his productive discussions with Anwar, particularly focussing on their agreement to enhance the Vietnam-Malaysia relationship to this new level.

“At first, we agreed to upgrade the Vietnam-Malaysia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. 

“We also pledge to support each other on our respective courses of development, and we will continue to work closely to expand and deepen our friendship and political trust between our two countries,” Lam said.

He noted that the strengthened ties would be based on respect for international law, as well as each other’s political systems, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, following the laws and regulations of their respective nations and grounded in a principle of non-interference.

The General Secretary outlined the key pillars of this new partnership, which include strengthening political trust and cooperation, particularly in defence and security. 

He said that this foundation would facilitate further collaboration in various sectors and contribute to regional peace, development, and prosperity.

Lam emphasised the importance of increasing mutual visits at all levels and leveraging existing mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation adding that Vietnam would explore the possibility of establishing new mechanisms to address emerging needs.

“We pledge to strengthen our cooperation in other areas, including the green economy, innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, green energy, and other areas like education and training, human resources development, labour, culture, sports, and tourism,” he said.

On regional and international matters, Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for Malaysia in promoting peace, security, and stability, particularly in the South China Sea.

He mentioned the importance of adhering to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and promoting peaceful dispute resolution in the region.

He also pledged Vietnam's backing for Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship next year and emphasised the critical role of regional integration and cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

"Vietnam will support Malaysia in its ASEAN chairmanship next year and will continue working closely with Malaysia and other ASEAN member states to realise the ASEAN Blueprint of 2025,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the new comprehensive strategic partnership would open a new chapter of bilateral cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the collective prosperity of the ASEAN community.

During the joint press conference, Lam also highlighted the shared historical and cultural ties between Vietnam and Malaysia, emphasising the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. 

Meanwhile, according to a joint statement from the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, both leaders have agreed to assign their respective Foreign Ministries to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to formulate a Plan of Action for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the specified areas.

This Plan of Action will be discussed at the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation, which will be co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.

The two sides also agreed to review and negotiate new cooperation agreements at an opportune time to create a strong momentum and solid foundation for future cooperation.

This is Lam’s first visit to Malaysia since being elected as head of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August 2024.

The last time Malaysia received a visit from the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam was in March 1994, a year before Vietnam’s formal accession to ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA