Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the afternoon of 12/12 to discuss bilateral relations and recent emerging regional and international issues, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During their discussion, the two leaders expressed deep concern over recent escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

Both prime ministers urged the two neighboring nations to exercise restraint, refrain from using force, engage in dialogue, and seek a peaceful resolution. Vietnam and Malaysia further agreed to coordinate closely with other ASEAN countries to strengthen solidarity, uphold ASEAN's centrality, and leverage ASEAN mechanisms to promote dialogue, thereby contributing to regional peace, stability, and cooperation.

Malaysia is set to chair ASEAN in 2025, underscoring the significance of its role in fostering regional stability and cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 12/12. Photo: VNA

Shifting to bilateral relations, Vietnam and Malaysia agreed to promptly adopt an action program for the implementation of the Vietnam-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership for the 2026-2030 period. This program aims to establish specific directions for each key sector, striving to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of 20 billion USD sooner, with a more balanced approach.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also proposed that both sides continue to enhance cooperation in rice trade and maritime affairs. This includes prioritizing oil and gas cooperation between PetroVietnam and Malaysia's Petronas, joint fishing, and preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vu Hoang