(VOVworld) – The Vietnam - Malaysia Friendship Association and Malaysian embassy in Vietnam held a meeting today/ on Friday in Hanoi to mark the 40^th anniversary of Vietnamese – Malaysian diplomatic ties, March 30. Speaking at the event, President of the Association Nguyen Huu Hao hailed similarities both countries share in culture and customs, and the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1973. He said that the two countries have achieved remarkable breakthrough over the past 40 years.

Malaysia’s ambassador to Vietnam Dato Azmil Zabidi told VOV’s reporter in a separate interview: “In the last 40 years, I think relations between Malaysia and Vietnam have flourished. From nothing we have developed to become very close partners, neighbors, and cooperative partners. Two-way trade turnover reached 9 billion USD in 2012. Malaysia’s investment in Vietnam has reached around 12 billion USD, showing Malaysian invertors’ trust in Vietnam’s potential. For tourism, around 200,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Malaysia in 2012, while 300,000 Malaysians came to Vietnam. The number once again proves the bilateral relations will further develop.”

During the meeting, Dato expressed his hope that the bilateral relations would reach a new height in the future by learning from their important histories, and as a result of the governments’ joint efforts over the past 40 years.

Anh Huyen