On the afternoon of November 21, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang announced that during recent talks and a joint press conference, General Secretary To Lam and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared the elevation of Vietnam-Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

Speaking to the press, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the significance of General Secretary To Lam’s visit, which coincided with the upgrade in bilateral relations to the CSP level.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in various areas, including security, defense, maritime cooperation, electricity, and digital economy development.

Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the successful operations of Malaysian businesses in Vietnam and expressed hopes for continued favorable conditions for Malaysian investors.

Additionally, the two countries aim to expand collaboration in fisheries, oil and gas projects, and other sectors based on mutual trust and friendship.

General Secretary To Lam stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is founded on pillars such as political trust, defense, and security cooperation, providing a stable foundation for bilateral relations. These efforts aim to ensure peace and stability for development through high-level exchanges and cooperation across various levels and channels.

Vietnam and Malaysia also pledged to effectively implement existing dialogue and cooperation mechanisms while exploring new frameworks that suit both sides’ interests in the current context.

The two nations plan to deepen economic ties, striving to increase bilateral trade to $18 billion and beyond in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner. Additionally, both sides will enhance collaboration in the Halal industry, encouraging businesses from each country to expand investments into the other.

Vietnam and Malaysia agreed to protect mutual benefits in oil and gas cooperation and to consider establishing cooperative development zones in overlapping areas, if any.

The partnership will also focus on new areas such as green economy, innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, and renewable energy. Traditional fields like education, workforce development, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity will continue to be strengthened.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional and international cooperation for peace, security, and stability, particularly at multilateral forums.

General Secretary To Lam underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea. Disputes should be resolved peacefully, without the use or threat of force, and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Vietnam also expressed support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and reiterated its commitment to closely coordinating with Malaysia and other ASEAN member states to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

General Secretary To Lam expressed confidence that this new vision and elevated partnership would open a promising chapter in Vietnam-Malaysia relations.

On this occasion, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements.

Malaysia has become the first ASEAN country to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. As of November 2024, Vietnam maintains Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with nine countries:

China (2008)
Russia (2012)
India (2016)
South Korea (2022)
The United States (September 2023)
Japan (November 2023)
Australia (March 2024)
France (October 2024)
Malaysia (November 2024)

Tran Thuong