Saturday October 24, 2009
Malaysia, Vietnam agree to improve ties, boost cooperation
BANGKOK: Vietnam and Malaysia agreed to increase cooperation in various areas notably in economics and trade, seafood exploitation and maritime security.
The agreements were reached during talks between Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Gia Khiem, and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman during the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN summit in Chaam and Hua Hin in Thailand.
The Vietnam news agency cited Khiem, as saying that the cooperation on the economy, trade and investment with Malaysia has been identifieid as one of the government’s priorities.
He suggested to Anifah, that Malaysia should consider three aspects namely Malaysian companies or individuals in investing in industrial zones in Vietnam, increasing the quota of Vietnamese workers for its labour market, and promoting cooperation with Vietnam in tourism, education and oil and gas exploration.
Meanwhile, Anifah said a number of Malaysian investors have expressed delight at business operations in Vietnam.
“A working visit to Vietnam will soon be organised for Malaysian enterprises that wish to explore trade and investment opportunities in the country,” the Vietnam news agency cited Anifah as saying.
The two ministers also agreed to ask relevant agencies on both sides to negotiate a cooperation agreement on seafood exploitation in line with international laws and norms.
They emphasised the need to step up joint patrols in adjoining and overlapping waters. Both ministers shared their satisfaction with the new progress in bilateral relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, adding that both sides will soon complete an action plan on implementing a comprehensive cooperative framework in the 21st century. -- Bernama
