Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (L) and Party General Secretary To Lam
The Malaysian PM invited General Secretary To Lam to step on the podium with the military band playing the national anthems of Vietnam and Malaysia and then the two leaders reviewed the Malaysian Army's guard of honour.
This is the first visit by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee to Malaysia in 30 years, taking place ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership (2015 - 2025).
In addition to political cooperation, over the past 10 years, the trade turnover between the two countries increased from more than US$ 8 billion in 2014 to over US$14 billion in 2022, nearly doubling after upgrading the relationship to the level of strategic partnership. The two sides are striving to bring the bilateral turnover to US$18 billion in the coming time.
In addition, locality-to-locality cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been very active, achieving many positive results.
Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Malaysia this time continues to affirm the commitment of both countries to consolidate the good relationship between the two countries. Vietnam is currently an important partner of Malaysia and the visit will create a catalyst for greater economic, trade and investment cooperation as well as stepping up cooperation in renewable energy and green technology, information and communications technology, digitalization and digital economy, tourism, cultural exchange and education.
The visit is regarded as an important milestone in the joint relationship, contributing to consolidating the foundation of political trust between the two countries, demonstrating the Vietnamese Party and State’s unwavering policy of always attaching importance to and wishing to further strengthen relations with neighbouring and regional countries, including Malaysia.
This is also an opportunity for the two countries' senior leaders to continue comparing notes on the world and regional situation, have in-depth discussions, and identify major directions and measures to spur the development of the two countries' relationship to new heights in a more stable, substantial and effective fashion in the coming time.
Immediately after the official welcome ceremony, the Malaysian PM and the Vietnamese Party chief along with their delegations will hold talks to inform each other about the situation in each nation, and discuss solutions to further bolster all-around cooperation strongly, comprehensively and effectively in the time ahead.