Speaking at a ceremony marking 45 years of Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic relations on August 7, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem noted that Vietnam and Malaysia share many cultural similarities and their people began to exchange and learn from each other a long time ago.
The relationship has been further reinforced since the two countries set up diplomatic ties on March 30, 1973 and, especially, after they lifted the relations to the strategic partnership in 2015, Liem said.
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A performance at the ceremony marking 45 years of Vietnam-Malaysia diplomatic ties in HCM City on August 7 |
With 562 projects worth over USD 12 billion, Malaysia currently ranks seventh among countries and territories directly investing in Vietnam, he adding that bilateral trade reached USD 6.67 billion in the first half of 2018, up 19.2 percent year on year, and is expected to hit USD 15 billion by 2020.
Liem went on to say that Malaysia has invested USD 4.6 billion in nearly 250 projects in HCM City, ranking third among 98 foreign investors here.
Aside from political and economic partnerships, bilateral collaboration in security-defense, culture, education and labor have also resulted in positive outcomes, thereby contributing to the bilateral comprehensive cooperation as well as peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, the official added.
For his part, Malaysian Consul General in HCM City Sofian Akmal Abd. Karim affirmed that the sound relationship between Malaysia and Vietnam is the outcome of unceasing efforts by leaders and people of both nations, especially since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2015.
According to the diplomat, over the four decades, bilateral trade and investment ties have grown considerably, driven by the favorable economic environment. Meanwhile, encouraging outcomes have also been seen in people-to-people diplomacy when about 248,000 Vietnamese visited Malaysia and 480,000 Malaysians came to Vietnam in 2017. Educational cooperation programs and youth exchanges have also taken place regularly, helping to foster mutual understanding, solidarity and friendship.
He said although HCM City has attracted one-third of Malaysian investments in Vietnam, the two sides’ cooperation potential remains huge, particularly in education and tourism.
The official asked HCM City’s leaders to continue to support activities that are aimed at promoting bilateral ties so as to help intensify strategic partnership between Malaysia and Vietnam.
The ceremony featured singing and dancing performances by Vietnamese artists. The Malaysian Consulate General and partners also introduced a Batik flower-themed fashion collection symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.
Source: VNA