Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh’s recent visit to Malaysia hailed

Hanoi (VNA) –Malaysia and Vietnam are exploring opportunities to further enhance bilateral ties, especially on security matters and areas of mutual interest, according to Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama.

This was discussed at a meeting between Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Hoa Binh during the latter’s recent three-day visit to Malaysia.

In a statement after the meeting, Ahmad Zahid expressed his hope that the engagement between Malaysia and Vietnam during the July 11-13 visit would pave the way for lifting bilateral relations to a new level.


The Malaysia-Vietnam relationship, which enters the 44th year now, has progressed well in a comprehensive and substantive manner, he said, adding that both countries enjoy solid ties in various sectors including trade and investment, education, security, defence and people-to-people relations.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said Malaysia was confident that relations with Vietnam could be further improved, especially in areas like trade and investment, finance, defence and security.

Other areas included agriculture, education, manpower, culture, youth and sports, tourism and transportation, he said.

Last year, the value of trade and investment between Malaysia and Vietnam amounted to 10.3 billion USD.

Following the signing of the Malaysia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership agreement in 2015, both countries agreed to increase two-way trade and investment to 15 billion USD by 2020.

Earlier, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry issued an announcement on the visit, saying that it was expected to open new opportunities for Vietnam and Malaysia to continue consolidating their ties as well as create foundations for the two nations to build a closer relationship and further enhance mutual understanding.-VNA