Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato' Johari bin Abdul in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on Thursday met with Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato' Johari bin Abdul on his official visit to Việt Nam, praising strong progress in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Việt Nam and Malaysia recently celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and will mark the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2025.

Lâm expressed confidence that the Malaysian official’s visit would further enhance the bilateral cooperation in multiple aspects.

House speaker Tan Sri Dato’ Johari bin Abdul thanked the Vietnamese leader for the warm welcome and gave high regard to Việt Nam’s achievements in socio-economic growth and anti-corruption.

He also pledged to strive to contribute to a prosperous ASEAN Community in 2025, when Malaysia assumes the role of the bloc’s chair.

He hoped to further cooperate with Việt Nam in strengthening friendship, peace, stability and freedom in Southeast Asia, as well as elevate the role and standing of ASEAN in the region.

Party leader Lâm also gave high regard to the long-standing relations between Việt Nam and Malaysia, highlighting how the two countries share the same perspectives on various regional and international issues.

He also praised the results of the talks between the Malaysian house speaker and Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, as well as the fruitful collaboration between the two legislative bodies in law making, enforcement and oversight.

He believed that as ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia will work with other member countries for a peaceful, stable, cooperative and thriving Southeast Asian region.

The Vietnamese leader also underscored the importance of effective bilateral relations in the current complex global situation.

He requested that Việt Nam and Malaysia increase all-level delegation exchanges to enhance their political trust and cooperation in areas of mutual concern.

The two countries should also further facilitate trade, economic, and investment cooperation, with the aim of US$18 billion in bilateral trade volume next year.

Lâm also said that Việt Nam will foster favourable conditions for Malaysian investors, and encourage investments from Vietnamese businesses to Malaysia, especially in sectors of common interests such as emerging technology, digital transformation and clean energy.

He also called for better cooperation in defence and security, crime prevention, maritime collaboration, and the enhancement of shared responsibilities to ensure a peaceful and stable regional environment, particularly the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

The Malaysian house speaker acknowledged Lâm’s suggestions and confirmed Malaysia’s continuing efforts in promoting bilateral cooperation and a thriving ASEAN community. — VNS