By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Relations between Malaysia and Vietnam have been described as broad-based and substantive, with both countries enjoying vibrant ties in a wide range of sectors – namely trade and investment, education, security, defence, and people-to-people ties.
Bidding farewell to his fellow comrades and the people of Malaysia, Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Le Quy Quynh, 61, who will be concluding his stint here on Oct 8, said Vietnam and Malaysia have effectively cooperated in many fields in recent years.
“Bilateral trade turnover is close to US$15 billion a year. The people-to-people relations between the two countries are also very encouraging. More and more tourists from both countries are visiting each other,” he told Bernama in an email interview.
Regarding Malaysia-Vietnam relations, Quynh said both countries have a long-standing friendship with excellent cooperation in many areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 30, 1973.
Since then, the diplomat said relations have flourished, especially after the two countries advanced to the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2015.
“I believe that with the great foundation of our Strategic Partnership, the relations between the two countries will continue to prosper in the future,” said the envoy, who had served in Malaysia for more than three years starting July 18, 2017, until Oct 8, 2020.
He noted that 2020 is an important milestone for both countries as Vietnam has assumed the dual role of the rotating Chair of ASEAN and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
“The two countries, together with other member nations of ASEAN, have made efforts to build a united community contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world,” he added.
The diplomat said Vietnam will continue to create conducive conditions for Malaysian businesses and investors to work in the country and that the two sides will continue to promote cooperation in the fields of food technology and car manufacturing.
He said Vietnam is ready to work with Malaysia in the fields of supporting industries, smart city construction, high-tech agriculture, and other fields where Malaysia has the strength.
“I hope that the Malaysian government will continue to facilitate connecting the delegations of Vietnam to visit, learn and exchange experiences in areas where Malaysia has the strength namely urban planning, economic development; and on the contrary, Vietnam will create the same (conducive) conditions for the Malaysian delegations,” he added.
— NNN-BERNAMA