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Anwar bin Ibrahim

Vietnam's Prime Minister Embarks on Official Visit to Malaysia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on May 24, commencing an official visit to Malaysia and attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit. This trip marks the first official visit to Malaysia by a Vietnamese PM in a decade, and the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader since the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November last year. PM Chinh will hold talks and meetings with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and other high-ranking leaders to discuss national developments and strategic visions to advance bilateral relations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The visit marks the first official trip to Malaysia by a Vietnamese PM in a decade, and the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader since Vietnam and Malaysia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November last year.
  • Economic, trade, and investment ties remain a cornerstone of the Vietnam - Malaysia relationship, with Malaysia being Vietnam's second-largest trade partner and third-largest investor within ASEAN.
  • In 2024, two-way trade between Vietnam and Malaysia reached 14.2 billion USD, a 20% increase from 2023, moving closer to the target of 18 billion USD.
  • The 46th ASEAN Summit, hosted under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, will see the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.
  • Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit demonstrates Vietnam's responsibility and readiness to contribute to ASEAN's collective efforts, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet stating that it reflects Vietnam's strong support for Malaysia's role as the ASEAN Chair this year.

Statistics:

  • Two-way trade between Vietnam and Malaysia reached 14.2 billion USD in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023.
  • Malaysia remains Vietnam's second-largest trade partner and third-largest investor within ASEAN.

Sources:

  • No specific source is mentioned for the statement of the Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, Dato' Tan Yang Thai.
  • "Vietnam News Agency"
  • Vietnam News Agency: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his high-ranking delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on May 24

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