Hanoi (VNA) - As part of her visit to Oman, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and her Omani counterpart Khalifa Bin Ali Al Harthy on September 24 co-chaired the 4th Vietnam–Oman political consultation.
In an open and constructive atmosphere, the two sides reviewed progress since the previous consultation, discussed ways to deepen the bilateral ties, and explored opportunities to elevate Vietnam–Oman relations to a new stage of development.
Hang affirmed Vietnam's high regard for its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Oman, expressing her confidence in Oman’s success with its Vision 2040 strategy. Al Harthy praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and noted both countries share similarities in natural conditions, people, and development aspirations.
The two sides agreed that the two economies are complementary and hold great potential for cooperation. Building on the success of the Vietnam–Oman Investment Fund and the New Era Growth Fund, they committed to boosting exchanges at all levels, especially high-level visits, and expanding trade and investment ties in areas such as food security, fisheries, logistics, AI, and renewable energy.
They also discussed ways to promote cultural exchange, strengthen people-to-people ties, and increase coordination at international forums, particularly the United Nations and the ASEAN–GCC cooperation framework.
Hang outlined Vietnam’s reform agenda and its plans to develop an international financial centre based in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, calling on Oman to encourage its investors to explore opportunities in these areas. She also urged Oman to support Vietnam’s Halal industry, provide scholarships for Vietnamese students, and help accelerate talks on a Vietnam–GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Al Harthy highlighted Vietnam’s importance in Oman’s “Look East” policy, noting its stable political environment and dynamic economy. He pledged to support Vietnamese businesses in investing or exporting to Oman and through Oman to the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. He also backed the proposed Vietnam–GCC FTA and suggested enhancing tourism, opening resident diplomatic agencies, and launching direct flights between the two countries.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Also on September 24, Hang also had a meeting with Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais Mohammed Al Yousef.
Hang, who is head of the Vietnam Sub-Committee of the Vietnam–Oman Joint Committee, proposed convening its 4th session and signing key agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation. She also requested Oman’s support for Vietnam’s Halal sector and greater market access for Vietnamese products.
Al Yousef, commended Vietnam’s recent growth and confirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties. He proposed accelerating business-to-business connections and signing new economic and trade agreements. He also extended congratulations on Vietnam’s National Day and sympathy with the country over losses caused by recent natural disasters and floods./.
