General Secretary visits Malaysia: Promising future for Vietnam-Malaysia relations
Reflecting on the first visit of General Secretary To Lam and his wife to Malaysia, the Malaysian Deputy Ambassador emphasized that the future of Malaysia - Vietnam relations is extremely promising.
On November 21, General Secretary To Lam and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly will begin an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife.
On this occasion, Deputy Ambassador, Counselor of the Malaysian Embassy in Vietnam Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman gave an interview to VietNamNet.
The Malaysian Deputy Ambassador emphasized that this was General Secretary To Lam's first visit to Malaysia, which had great significance in consolidating the good relations between Malaysia and Vietnam.
Last year, the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, marked by the very successful visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Vietnam in July. This year, General Secretary To Lam's visit reflects the two countries' commitment to promoting and strengthening relations.
"Vietnam is an important partner of Malaysia. Hopefully, the visit will create momentum in economic cooperation, trade and investment, renewable energy and green technology, information and communication technology, digital economy, tourism, cultural and educational exchanges as well as strengthen regional cooperation, especially within the ASEAN framework," Ms. Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman expected.
The Deputy Ambassador of Malaysia emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has been growing stronger and stronger, especially since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership nearly 10 years ago (2015), "we have positive optimism about the relationship the two countries are moving towards".
Economically, Vietnam is an important trade partner of Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the leading investors of Vietnam. The two countries have the potential to further expand cooperation, especially in emerging areas such as the digital economy, e-commerce and sustainable energy.
Ms. Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman said that both countries are committed to diversifying trade, moving from traditional goods to higher value sectors such as technology and renewable energy. According to the Deputy Ambassador, "this will be the key" to future economic growth of the two countries.
In terms of people-to-people exchanges, Malaysia and Vietnam have enjoyed growing connections. Educational and cultural exchanges, tourism, continue to grow, helping to foster deeper understanding. Both countries appreciate each other’s traditional values.
"We will also continue to work closely together to contribute to a more cohesive and resilient ASEAN region. Looking ahead, the future of Malaysia-Vietnam relations is extremely promising and we are committed to building on this momentum," the Malaysian Deputy Ambassador shared.
In 2025, Malaysia will assume the role of ASEAN Chair, and speaking about this special event, the Deputy Ambassador said that next year is an important year for ASEAN as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community. Building on this achievement, ASEAN plans to adopt the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, outlining the strategic direction for the next 20 years.
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia’s priorities will focus on a number of areas that are aligned with the region’s changing needs and aspirations. These include strengthening ASEAN centrality, increasing intra-regional trade and investment, enhancing ASEAN’s capacity to leverage advances in science, technology and innovation, and harnessing the benefits of digital transformation and new technologies.
Malaysia will ensure that inclusiveness and sustainability, which is also the theme of 2025, are central to regional Community building efforts.
The Deputy Ambassador said that 2025 is also an important year for Vietnam, marking 30 years since Vietnam became a member of ASEAN. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia expects Vietnam's contribution, "Vietnam's strategic position and active role in ASEAN will be essential as we work together to address challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and regional security," Ms. Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman emphasized.
The Deputy Ambassador believes that Malaysia and Vietnam, as close partners, will continue to cooperate closely to enhance ASEAN's global influence and ensure regional security, prosperity and cohesion.
