Senior Vietnamese and Malaysian officials expressed hopes for a stronger friendship and better cooperation between the two countries for their common prosperity at a ceremony to mark the 57th National Day of Malaysia (August 31) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chairwoman of the Vietnam–Malaysia Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung affirmed that Malaysia is Vietnam ’s ninth largest trade partner, with two-way trade hitting 9.1 billion USD in 2013, added that the figure is expected to reach 11 billion USD before 2015.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consul General in HCM City Shazryll Zahiran said that in the past 40 years, since the two countries set up their diplomatic ties in 1973, the bilateral ties have seen unceasing development in various fields.

The constant exchanges of high-ranking delegations of the two sides, particularly the visits made by several important Malaysian officials during just a short time recently, have proven the significance that Malaysia attaches to the diplomatic relation with Vietnam , he emphasized.

Both officials shared the same belief that with the joint efforts of the two Governments and peoples, the bilateral friendship and cooperation will further thrive.

On the occasion, Zahiran also extended his congratulations to the people of Vietnam over their 69 th National Day (September 2).-VNA