Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc underscored the need to maintain cooperation mechanisms during separate receptions for Malaysian and Armenian ambassadors in Hanoi on February 3.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) welcomes Malaysian Ambassador
Dato’ Shariffah Mustaffa (Photo: VNA) 

Receiving Malaysian diplomat Dato’ Shariffah Mustaffa, PM Phuc hailed her contributions to Vietnam visit by the Malaysian Prime Minister in 2019.

The government chief asked the two sides to continue strengthening high-level visits and exchanges, and expressed his wish to welcome Malaysian PM to Vietnam for the ASEAN Summit.

He proposed the early signing of an action plan to realise bilateral strategic partnership for the 2020 - 2025 period, and suggested Malaysia limit trade barriers on Vietnamese goods, especially farm produce and Halal food for Muslims.

PM Phuc praised the two countries for being one of the top 10 trade partners of each other and called for greater efforts to elevate bilateral trade from US$11.1 billion in 2019, equivalent to that in 2018.

He also showed his elation at the launch of Vietnam Market in Kuala Lumpur set for March.

The PM asked the ambassador to help simplify procedures to offer the best possible conditions for Vietnamese workers in Malaysia.

He urged Malaysia to continue facilitating the expansion of cooperation in the field of oil and gas exploration and exploitation, and technical oil and gas services.

Mustaffa, for her part, pledged to work to help hold the sixth meeting of the Vietnam – Malaysia joint committee this year, adding that her country will do its utmost to support Vietnam during its ASEAN Chairmanship Year.

She thanked the Vietnamese government for providing all possible support for Malaysian businesses in the country, and hoped that both sides would increase coordination across food technology, Halal food, auto manufacturing, and aviation.

She consented to work so as to help lift two-way trade to a higher level on the back of huge potential for stronger cooperation.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Armenian Ambassador Vahram Kazhoyan (L)
(Photo: VNA)

Meeting Armenian Ambassador Vahram Kazhoyan, PM Phuc showed a desire to boost ties with Armenia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to which Armenia is a member.

He suggested both nations should tap the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EAEU to intensify bilateral trade and investment, and in other spheres.

The Vietnamese government leader proposed holding the second meeting of the Vietnam – Armenia Inter-Government Committee on an early date to reach a consensus on measures to further foster bilateral ties.

He thanked Armenia for supporting Vietnam’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure.

As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam stays ready to act as a bridge between ASEAN and Armenia, PM Phuc told his guest.

Kazhoyan, for his part, suggested both sides hold a business forum to boost trade and investment whilst highlighted 1,000 Vietnamese students in Armenia as a bridge for the enhancement of bilateral ties.

He also suggested strengthening cross- cultural exchange and tourism links as more and more Armenians are predicted to travel to Vietnam in the time to come.