Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam always attaches great importance to advancing its Comprehensive Partnership with Brunei and hopes that the bilateral ties will continue to develop substantively, bringing concrete benefits and contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.
At a meeting in Hanoi on December 1 with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a state visit to Vietnam, PM Chinh said the visit offers an important opportunity to review progress in bilateral cooperation and set out new directions to elevate the partnership to a higher, more effective level.
He commended Brunei’s political stability, solid economic performance, and strong social welfare under the Sultan’s leadership, as reflected in the country’s high Human Development Index. He expressed confidence that Brunei will successfully realise its national development vision (Brunei Vision 2035 or Wawasan 2035), becoming a dynamic and sustainable economy.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to deepening its Comprehensive Partnership with Vietnam and extended his condolences to Vietnamese communities affected by recent floods and landslides in the central region.
Both leaders welcomed the robust progress made under the 2023–2027 Action Programme, noting frequent high-level exchanges, active cooperation mechanisms and strong economic growth, with two-way trade rising to nearly 671.4 million USD in 2024, up 165% from the previous year and already surpassing the 2025 target. Collaboration in defence and security, agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, Halal industry, tourism and education has also continued to develop effectively.
To further strengthen relations, PM Chinh proposed maintaining regular high-level contacts and ensuring effective implementation of the Action Programme. He called for strengthened economic, trade, and investment cooperation in key sectors, such as oil and gas, chemicals, Halal food processing, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
He said Vietnam hopes Brunei will continue to support Vietnamese enterprises in providing oil and gas services, recognise Halal certificates for export and facilitate participation in global supply chains. Vietnam stands ready to assist Brunei in food security and supplying raw materials for Halal production, while the two sides could explore a potential rice trade agreement.
The government leader also called for enhanced maritime cooperation, particularly in fisheries and information-sharing on law enforcement at sea. Vietnam remains committed to tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and looks forward to Brunei’s continued support for its efforts to develop a sustainable marine economy.
The PM proposed expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, sports and education, enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, and especially fostering linkages between educational institutions, student exchange programmes and joint research.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed support for PM Chinh's proposals, emphasising the need for the two nations to strengthen cooperation in energy, fisheries, Halal industry and people-to-people exchanges. He said the agreements signed during this visit would inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation.
Both sides agreed to continue close coordination at regional and international forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, and to uphold ASEAN’s common position on key regional issues, including Myanmar and East Sea matters, for the sake of regional and global peace, stability and development.
The Sultan took this occasion to invite PM Chinh to visit Brunei at an appropriate time. The PM thanked the Sultan and accepted the invitation with pleasure./.
State President chairs official welcome ceremony for Sultan of Brunei
State President Luong Cuong hosted an official welcome ceremony in Hanoi on December 1 morning for Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a three-day state visit to Vietnam.
