At a meeting in Hanoi on March 17 with Bader Abdullah Almatrooshi, the UAE ambassador to Vietnam, Chinh discussed steps to implement outcomes from his recent phone talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, including closer cooperation on energy security.
Relations between Vietnam and the UAE have continued to expand, with the UAE now Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a potential major investor. Chinh said Vietnam views the UAE not only as a key economic partner but also as a trusted friend sharing common values of peace, cooperation and prosperity.
He expressed concern over ongoing tensions in the Middle East and reaffirmed Vietnam’s position that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means in line with international law and the United Nations Charter.
The prime minister said Vietnam stands ready to work with the UAE to contribute to peace and stability in the region, and called on the ambassador to coordinate closely with Vietnamese authorities to advance key agreements reached during the leaders’ phone call.
These include implementing oil and gas supply arrangements for Vietnam and accelerating efforts to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in support of both countries’ development goals.
Chinh also called for increased UAE investment in Vietnam, particularly in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, high-tech industries, infrastructure and logistics.
He said the agreements reached between the two leaders were an important and timely response to the impact of regional tensions, reflecting a responsible and reliable partnership.
Ambassador Bader Abdullah Almatrooshi praised Chinh’s role in strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Vietnam, including oil supply and investment in high-tech, infrastructure and logistics sectors.
He also highlighted plans to encourage UAE firms to invest in a proposed international financial centre in Vietnam and to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with the aim of raising bilateral trade to USD 10 billion in the near term.