Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (photo: VOV)

The two ministers reviewed the implementation of the action program for the 2017-2019 period in all areas, and discussed orientations and focus of cooperation to lift the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia in a more practical manner. They agreed to adopt the action program for the 2021-2025 strategic partnership with major orientations to effectively tap each country’s potentials and strengths, towards achieving sustainable and resilient development post-pandemic with 18 billion USD in two-way trade by 2025. They also agreed to recognise each other's “vaccine passports” soon.

Son suggested Malaysia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to export farm produce to the country, help Vietnam develop Halal food industry, receive more Vietnamese workers and simplify relevant procedures when conditions allow.

The Malaysian FM said that Malaysia wishes to effectively boost ties with Vietnam – the only strategic partner of Malaysia in ASEAN. The two sides consented to offer mutual support and work closely together at regional and global forums, especially at the United Nations, ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms. They underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea, settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).