Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son andhis Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah co-chaired the sixth meeting ofthe Vietnam – Malaysia Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific andTechnological Cooperation on November 15.
Bothsides reviewed the implementation of the action programme for the 2017-2019period in all areas, and discussed orientations and focus of cooperation tolift the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia in a more practical manner.
Theyagreed to adopted the action programme for the 2021-2025 strategic partnershipwith major orientations to effectively tap each country’s potentials andstrengths, towards achieving sustainable and resilient developmentpost-pandemic with 18 billion USD in two-way trade by 2025. They also agreed to recognise each other's “vaccine passports” soon.
Sonsuggested Malaysia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to exportfarm produce to the country, help Vietnam develop Halal food industry, receivemore Vietnamese workers and simplify relevant procedures when conditions allow.
The Malaysian FM,for his part, said that Malaysia wishes to effectively boost ties withVietnam – the only strategic partner of Malaysia in ASEAN. He agreed withVietnam’s proposals and proposed the two nations’ ministries and agencies soondiscuss celebrations for the 50th anniversary of bilateraldiplomatic ties (2023).
Hesuggested Vietnam import more palm oil from Malaysia and offer support to Malaysia to open international education establishments in the country.
Thetwo sides consented to offer mutual support and work closely together atregional and global forums, especially at the United Nations, ASEAN andASEAN-led mechanisms. They vowed to tap opportunities and benefits fromnew-generation free trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement forTrans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Theyunderlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritimeand aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea, settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Theyalso expressed support for serious and full implementation of the Declarationon the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiations towards reaching an effective,efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with internationallaw, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Concluding the event,the two ministers signed the meeting's minutes and agreed to hold the seventh meeting in Vietnam at a convenienttime for both sides./.
