Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (L) and his Malaysian counterpart Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Source: VNA)This was discussed at a meeting between MalaysianDeputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his Vietnamesecounterpart Truong Hoa Binh during the latter’s recent three-day visit toMalaysia.
In a statement after the meeting, Ahmad Zahid expressed his hope that theengagement between Malaysia and Vietnam during the July 11-13 visit would pavethe way for lifting bilateral relations to a new level.
The Malaysia-Vietnam relationship, which enters the 44th yearnow, has progressed well in a comprehensive and substantive manner, he said,adding that both countries enjoy solid ties in various sectors including tradeand investment, education, security, defence and people-to-people relations.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said Malaysia was confident thatrelations with Vietnam could be further improved, especially in areas liketrade and investment, finance, defence and security.
Other areas included agriculture, education, manpower, culture, youth andsports, tourism and transportation, he said.
Last year, the value of trade and investmentbetween Malaysia and Vietnam amounted to 10.3 billion USD.
Following thesigning of the Malaysia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership agreement in 2015, bothcountries agreed to increase two-way trade and investment to 15 billion USD by2020.
Earlier, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry issued an announcementon the visit, saying that it was expected to open new opportunities for Vietnamand Malaysia to continue consolidating their ties as well as create foundationsfor the two nations to build a closer relationship and further enhance mutualunderstanding.-VNA
VNA
