Le Hoai Trung, Head of the External Relations Commission of the Party Central Committee highlights significance of Party leader To Lam's official visit to Malaysia (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The visit is in line with the foreign policy outlined by Vietnam’s 13th National Party Congress, which prioritizes strengthening relationships with neighboring countries and within ASEAN.

Malaysia, a key nation in Southeast Asia, is set to take on the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025 and has substantial prestige and influence within ASEAN. It is seen as a model of successful development.

Strategic Partnership continues to flourish

Party leader To Lam’s visit comes at a time when Vietnam and Malaysia's bilateral ties are growing steadily, especially since the two countries established a Strategic Partnership in 2015. Vietnam is the only ASEAN country with which Malaysia has forged a Strategic Partnership.

In recent years political trust between the two countries has steadily increased, with regular coordination at ASEAN forums and other regional and global forums. The two are vital economic, trade, and investment partners.

Malaysia is Vietnam's second-largest ASEAN trading partner and 11^th-largest globally. Vietnam is Malaysia's third-largest ASEAN trading partner. There is immense potential to expand cooperation, especially in emerging sectors like the digital economy, e-commerce, and sustainable energy. The two are well-positioned to complement each other, particularly in digital and green technology.

Le Hoai Trung, Head of the External Relations Commission of the Party Central Committee said: “Malaysia is rapidly boosting digital technology and green technology as economic cornerstones of the "Malaysia Madani" economic plan launched by Prime Minister Ibrahim, which aims to make Malaysia a high-income, developed country. Vietnam is embarking on a new era of rise, promoting major national development orientations, and focusing on liberating and strengthening new production forces in digital technology and green technology, which are Malaysia’s strengths. This means Vietnam and Malaysia can complement each other in their new period of development.”

People-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Malaysia have been expanding. Cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges continue to grow, fostering a deeper mutual understanding. The two countries value and respect each other's culture.

There are more than 30,000 Vietnamese people living in Malaysia, including 1,100 students who are studying there.

A new milestone in Vietnam-Malaysia relations

General Secretary Lam’s visit to Malaysia marks a significant step in the evolving ties between the two nations. Building on a well-established strategic partnership, the visit is an opportunity to strengthen political trust and drive deeper, more effective cooperation.

During his visit, General Secretary Lam will meet with Malaysia's top political leaders and deliver a keynote policy address at the University of Malaya, the country's premier educational institution. He will also engage with Vietnamese businesses operating in Malaysia and meet members of the overseas Vietnamese community.

Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission, said: “This visit allows the leaders of both nations to discuss regional and global developments and their own domestic situations. It will enhance mutual understanding and political trust, paving the way for comprehensive agreements to elevate the Vietnam-Malaysia relationship further.”

Looking ahead to 2025, coinciding with the 10th founding anniversary of the ASEAN Community, Malaysia is set to assume the role of ASEAN Chair. ASEAN will embark on its strategic 2045 Vision, setting the direction for the next two decades. Key priorities include reinforcing ASEAN centrality, boosting intra-bloc trade and investment, leveraging scientific and technological advancements, and harnessing digital transformation.

Vietnam has affirmed its support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and pledged close coordination with Malaysia and other member nations to foster a strong, cohesive ASEAN Community. The two countries are aligned in their commitment to enhancing intra-bloc cooperation and maintaining ASEAN’s central role in addressing regional issues.

This official visit by General Secretary To Lam is not only a reflection of the strong political trust between Vietnam and Malaysia but also a critical milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, promising deeper and broader engagement in the years to come.