SAN FRANCISCO – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong have agreed to increase cooperation to address illegal fishing in Malaysian waters.
“(Malaysia) seeks continued cooperation and commitment from Vietnam in combating illegal fishing in Malaysian waters (involving over 1,000 vessels and 10,000 crew since 2006),” said Anwar after a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting here yesterday.
He said both leaders also discussed the issue with regard to the South China Sea and agreed to fully adhere to the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea as well as call for an effective code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Also present during the meeting were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, and MP Sim Tze Tzin.
Apart from discussing ways to increase bilateral trade and enhance bilateral cooperation, Anwar said he also extended an invitation to the Vietnamese president to undertake a state visit to Malaysia sometime next year.
Hanoi is Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner globally, and it is also the country’s fourth largest trading partner in Asean after Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
In 2022, total bilateral trade increased by 16.4% to US$19.44 billion (RM90.83 billion) from US$16.7 billion (RM78.03 billion) in 2021.
In terms of investments, Malaysia is Vietnam’s 10th largest investor after Singapore and Thailand.
Vietnam, on the other hand, requested that Malaysia facilitate halal products from Vietnam and cooperate on halal certification.
Hanoi also thanked Malaysia for training its officials under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
“Vietnam proposed sister-city cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysian cities,” said Anwar.
Both leaders also reaffirmed Asean unity and reiterated support for Laos’ chairmanship of Asean next year. – November 17, 2023