PM Anwar Pays Courtesy Call On Vietnam's To Lam, Jose Ramos Horta Of Timor Leste

From MOHD HAIKAL ISA

HANOI, Feb 25 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid a courtesy call on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, at the party’s headquarters here, marking the start of his two-day working visit to the ASEAN-member country.

His courtesy call on Lam took place merely an hour after his arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, his second visit to the Vietnam since assuming the Prime Minister’s post.

Anwar and Lam spent about 30 minutes discussing various matters related to bilateral diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Lam undertook an official visit to Malaysia in November last year, his first since being elected as head of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August 2024.

In a statement this morning, Wisma Putra said the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Luong Cuong, as well as the country’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, tomorrow.

The statement added that the meetings will provide an opportunity for both countries to chart a clear path towards strengthening bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Besides Lam, Anwar also paid a courtesy call on Timor-Leste President, José Ramos-Horta, tonight at a hotel in Hanoi where both leaders are staying.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Second ASEAN Future Forum, organised by the Vietnamese government tomorrow.

Speaking to the Malaysian media, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Datuk Tan Yang Thai, said as ASEAN Chairman, the Prime Minister’s keynote address at the forum tomorrow will emphasise efforts to strengthen the regional grouping in addressing several key issues.

“The Prime Minister's keynote address will generally highlight efforts to reinforce ASEAN in the face of major power competition, advance ASEAN's digital economy agenda, drive green initiatives, and prioritise sustainable development to secure the future of ASEAN member states,” he said.

Anwar will leave for home tomorrow after attending the forum.

Meanwhile, Anwar in his Facebook post said the meeting between him and Lam touched on the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and fishing activities, among others.

"I also expressed my appreciation for Vietnam's rapid economic growth, which has provided many lessons and inspiration to Malaysia. We can learn from Vietnam's success in exploring new technologies and a sustainable energy sector," he said. 

Anwar during the meeting also expressed his appreciation for Vietnam's support for Malaysia's current leadership of ASEAN, which is seen as very important to ensure that ASEAN remains strong and successful in achieving its goals.

"The strategic relationship between Malaysia and Vietnam has certainly become a national priority, especially after Lam’s last visit to Malaysia," he said.

The two sides also reached an agreement on intelligence sharing and military cooperation, which is an important step in ensuring regional stability and security, the prime minister said. 

On the issue of Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, Anwar appreciated Vietnam's efforts in the country's history and fully supported their (Timor-Leste's) access to ASEAN.

"I also emphasised that not many people really understand and appreciate the struggle of Dien Bien Phu's heroes, especially in arranging the history of the nation and enabling the success of Vietnam today," Anwar said.

According to Anwar, Vietnam has always had a special place in his personal history when during his student days, Ho Chi Minh's leadership became an inspiration and a source of his fighting spirit.

"The historical ties between Malaysia and Vietnam are quite close, and it is now the responsibility of today's generation to continue to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit," he said.

-- BERNAMA