Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at their meeting in Vientiane on October 10. VNA/VNS photo

VIENTIANE – Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Vientiane, Laos, on October 10, on the occasion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits.

Expressing his gratitude to Malaysia for its support for Việt Nam’s recovery from the recent Typhoon Yagi via the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, PM Chính said such assistance reflects the bloc’s spirit of solidarity and resilience in facing common challenges.

The two PMs praised the efforts by both countries’ ministries and sectors in implementing the agreed-upon issues, further deepening the Việt Nam-Malaysia strategic partnership in a result-oriented manner.

Discussing future cooperation orientations, they agreed to increase high-level mutual visits and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the two nations’ joint trade committee. The leaders pledged to strengthen collaboration in areas such as security, education, aviation, tourism, as well as emerging sectors like green economy and digital economy, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to a new height.

Lauding the Vietnamese and Malaysian defence ministries for actively implementing the countries’ memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, signed in December last year, PM Chính called for the early signing of agreements in other mutually beneficial fields, including security, education, and aviation.

Additionally, he proposed establishing a consultation and management mechanism for maritime affairs, and giving humanitarian treatment to detained fishing vessels and fishermen in accordance with international law and the strong bilateral ties.

PM Ibrahim agreed with his Vietnamese counterpart about elevating bilateral ties to a new level soon.

He underscored his country’s readiness to work with Việt Nam to comprehensively improve upon their cooperation in security - defence, trade - investment, and maritime economy. Malaysia will support Việt Nam’s efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing lifted.

Discussing regional issues, the Vietnamese leader highly valued Malaysia’s coordination in building an ASEAN Community focussed on sustainable development, playing the central role in regional processes.

Việt Nam is committed to supporting Malaysia, which will act as ASEAN Chair in 2025, and the comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, he remarked.

PM Chính also called on Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair next year, to closely cooperate with Việt Nam and other member states in maintaining the bloc’s common stance on regional and international issues, particularly the East Sea issue. VNA/VNS