Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar from October 27 to November 1 have garnered widespread attention from prominent Middle Eastern media outlets which have stated the trips will have positive impacts on relations between Vietnam and these countries in the coming time.
In its recent article, the UAE’s oldest English-language daily, Khaleej Times, quoted Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AL Maktoum: “Vietnam is among Asia’s fastest-growing economies, and we are their largest regional trade partner.” The statement came as the two nations signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Vietnam’s first free trade pact with an Arab country.
According to the Khaleej Times, CEPA will enhance UAE service providers' access to a wide range of sectors in the Vietnamese market, including business and transport, engineering, financial services, health care, social services, tourism, and transport.
In another article entitled “Vietnam – A bright star in Asia”, the daily wrote Vietnam has emerged as a key player in Southeast Asia with constantly developing social culture, better material and spiritual life, and stable politics and society. In recent years, the nation has seen growing reputation, prestige and position in the international arena.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the state news agency of Saudi Arabia, reported on the signing of the cooperation framework agreement between the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) on the sidelines of PM Chinh’s visit. The agency emphasised that the agreement will pay the way for potential collaboration in the areas of storage, supply and trading of energy and petrochemical products.
The Qatar News Agency (QNA) posted also an article entitled “Qatar and Vietnam: Distinguished Friendship, Broad Prospects for Trade, Investment Partnerships”, laying stress on the close relationship strengthened by common interests and broader visions benefiting the two sides. It said the relations, developed on the basis of mutual respect, have been reinforced by high-level visits and cross-sector agreements.
The agency noted that both countries have maintained regular exchanges, consultations and high-level visits to strengthen the bilateral relations and promote coordination in international forums. It stressed that PM Chinh’s visit demonstrated efforts to advance the ties towards a new period with broader visions./.
