Viet Nam, Malaysia pledge to advance ASEAN centrality in addressing regional strategic issues

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah on Sunday discussed preparations for the official visit to Viet Nam by Malaysian Prime Minster Ismail Sabri Yaakob from March 20-21.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (right) shakes hands with Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah before their meeting at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, Ha Noi, Sunday, March 20, 2021.

The pair also explored orientations of enhanced cooperation between the two foreign ministries and toughed upon several regional and international issues of shared concerns.

They agreed to work closely together and collaborate with relevant agencies of each country to continue effective implementation of the Minutes of the 6^th meeting of the Viet Nam-Malaysia Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in November last year as well as the action program for the Viet Nam-Malaysia strategic partnership for the 2021-2025 period.

The two foreign ministers also agreed on major orientations for organizing activities to mark the 50^th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2023.

Regarding multilateral aspect, the two ministers affirmed both sides will continue close coordination at international organizations and forums such as the United Nations, APEC, ASEAN, and work to advance ASEAN solidarity and centrality in addressing strategic issues in the region.