Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and Malaysia on August 28 issued a jointstatement on the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam from August 26-28 byMalaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at the invitation of Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc.
The following is the full text of the Joint Statement.
1. At the invitation of H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the SocialistRepublic of Vietnam, H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysiapaid an official visit to Vietnam from 26 to 28 August 2019. The Prime Ministerof Malaysia was accompanied by a high level official delegation, which includedthe Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the Prime Minister’sOffice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of International Tradeand Industry.
2. The official welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was heldat the Presidential Palace on 27 August 2019. During the visit, Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.Thereafter, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Letter ofIntent on the signing of the MOU on Maritime Law Enforcement and Search andRescue Cooperation and exchange of Letters on the establishment of the Malaysia– Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucsubsequently hosted an official dinner in honour of Prime Minister MahathirMohamad. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad later called on H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong,General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam.
3. During the bilateral meeting, the two Prime Ministers discussed a wide rangeof bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests. Both sidesnoted with satisfaction that the excellent Strategic Partnership between thetwo countries has been constantly bolstered on the basis of mutual trust andextensive cooperation in all areas, particularly economics, defense, security,agriculture, socio-cultural exchange and people-to-people links, among others.
POLITICAL COOPERATION
4. The two Prime Ministers agreed to maintain frequent high-level contacts andincrease discussions on strategic issues through the exchange of high-levelvisits, as well as regular exchanges among political parties, governmental andparliamentary delegations. The two leaders also pledged to expand bilateralcooperation through the existing mechanisms and consultations platforms,including the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and TechnologicalCooperation (JCM) and the Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue (SOSD).
5. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the effective implementation of the Vietnam– Malaysia Plan of Action 2017 – 2019 in all areas of cooperation, and welcomedthe discussion that has started between both sides on the new Plan of Actions(POA) for the period of 2020 – 2025.
6. The Prime Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia – VietnamParliamentary Friendship Group through the exchange of letters by both sides. Theestablishment of the Friendship Group will further strengthen parliamentaryrelations and cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia.
SECURITY, DEFENSE AND LEGAL COOPERATION
7. The two Prime Ministers agreed to increase bilateral exchanges in defense throughthe prompt establishment of the High Level Committee (HLC) on DefenceCooperation. Both sides agreed to hold the first meeting of the HLC on DefenceCooperation that will be hosted by Vietnam in 2019.
8. Both sides also agreed to hold the first meeting of the Joint Working Group(JWG) on Transnational Crimes under the framework of the Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating TransnationalCrimes signed in 2015.
9. Both sides affirmed their commitment to enhancing further the cooperation inpreventing and combating transnational and high-tech crimes, and other crimesrelated to drugs, piracy, terrorism and illegal immigration. Legal frameworkswill be established to strengthen cooperation in this area, includingexpediting the negotiation of an MOU on Legal Cooperation Activities, Agreementon Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons and agreement oninternational transfer of prisoners/sentenced persons. Both sides reaffirmedthe commitment to not allowing any organisation or individual to use theterritory of one country to conduct hostile activities against the other.
10. Both sides affirmed the commitment to accord due process of law inaccordance with domestic and international laws, and in a fair and objectivemanner, to citizens of either side when placed under arrest and investigationby the other.
11. Both sides shared concerns over the issues of vessels encroachment andillegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Prime Ministersreaffirmed their continued efforts to address IUU fishing including sharing ofinformation under the existing platform of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) onAgricultural Cooperation Between Malaysia and Vietnam. Vietnam appreciated thehumane treatment and prompt repatriation of apprehended crews and fishermen byMalaysia, and highlighted its ongoing efforts to promote public awareness onresponsible fishing as well as developing mechanisms to address the challengesof IUU fishing.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
12. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent progress inbilateral economic cooperation, including the double-digit growth of totaltrade turnover to 13.3 billion USD in 2018. Both sides should work together andmake greater efforts to strengthen the strategic economic partnership betweenthe two countries.
13. Both sides agreed to promote the mutual import and export of each country’sproducts, including electrical and electronics, petroleum products, chemicalsand chemical products, manufactures of metal, machinery, equipment and parts,agricultural produce, palm oil, halal products, seafood, as well as garmentsand textiles, and raise the total trade to reach 15 billion USD or higher by2020.
14. Malaysia appreciated Vietnam’s continued readiness to export rice toMalaysia at competitive price to the Malaysian market on the basis of theMemorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Rice Trading between VinaFood IIand Bernas of Malaysia, as well as other related agreements and cooperationdocuments. Malaysia would provide information on halal food regulations torelevant Vietnamese authority, and both sides have agreed to facilitate theentry of products including halal products and services into each other’sdomestic market.
15. Both sides agreed that the investment agencies should enhance cooperation,including by organising investment promotion activities to help investorsexplore the investment opportunities in both countries. The two Prime Ministersemphasised on investments in areas of high potential, such as oil and gas,information technology, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence,Industrial Revolution 4.0, wastewater treatment, skill training, logistics,smart agriculture, food industry (halal) and textiles. Both sides encourageinvestors to resolve any outstanding or arising business disputes in accordancewith the receiving countries’ rules and regulations.
16. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of cooperation in thefield of oil and gas and encourage both sides’ downstream businesses tostrengthen and expand cooperation, particularly in the lubricant andpetrochemical sectors.
LABOUR COOPERATION
17. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit andwelcomed the organisation of the Joint Working Group Meeting to implement theMemorandum of Understanding on Labor Recruitment and Placement signed in 2015.
COOPERATION IN OTHER AREAS
18. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum ofUnderstanding on Education Cooperation in March 2019. Both sides agreed toenhance cooperation in education and training. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucthanked the Government of Malaysia for providing valuable trainings toVietnamese officials through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP)and hoped that the Malaysian Government would continue the program in thefuture.
19. Both sides agreed to enhance comprehensive connectivity and boost culturaland arts exchanges and tourism by increasing the frequency of Vietnam-Malaysiadirect flights. Both sides agreed to finalise the Air Services Agreement (ASA)for signing at a suitable time.
20. Both sides also agreed to give due attention to and provide favorableconditions for the two countries’ public and non-governmental organisations,particularly the business and friendship associations, to increase exchangesand cooperation as part of the joint effort to promote cooperation ineconomics, tourism and culture. Both sides encouraged their respectivelocalities to step up cooperation through the exchange of delegations atvarious levels and share management expertise, particularly in urban planning,transport infrastructure, and innovative entrepreneurship.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
21. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperationbetween the two countries at regional and international fora, including ASEANand ASEAN-led mechanisms, APEC, ASEM, NAM, WTO and the UN. In this spirit,Malaysia expressed its support for Vietnam’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020 andnon-permanent membership in the United Nation Security Council for the term 2020– 2021. Vietnam affirmed its strong support for Malaysia’s hosting of APEC2020.
22. Both sides agreed to bolsterconsultations and dialogues as mechanisms for sharing views, positions andinitiatives to address regional and global challenges, including terrorism,transnational crimes, climate change, disaster risk management and mitigation,food, water and energy security related issues as well as marine plastic waste.
23. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining ASEANunity and centrality and ensuring the full and effective implementation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at theagreement reached by ASEAN leaders on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,which highlighted ASEAN centrality, inclusiveness, complementarity, arules-based order consistent with international law, and commitment to regionaleconomic integration. They reaffirmed their commitment to work with other ASEANmembers in promoting a cohesive, coherent, resilient, responsive, andinnovative ASEAN Community that plays a central role in the evolving regionalarchitecture.
24. Both sides reiterated the importance of supporting free and fair trade andan open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading systemwith the WTO at its core. Both sides committed to having close coordination inthe negotiation and implementation of multilateral trade agreements, with theaim of reaching a speedy conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership (RCEP) negotiations that takes into consideration different levelsof economic development of participating countries.
25. Both sides underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability,security and the rule of law in the region, which includes the safety, securityand freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea and expressedserious concerns over recent developments in the South China Sea. The two sidesagreed that disputes shall be resolved through peaceful means, including fullrespect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat oruse of force, in accordance with the principles of international law, includingthe 1982 UNCLOS.
26. Both Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of self-restraint,non-militarisation and observance of international legal obligations in goodfaith, respect for sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of thecoastal states, and rule of law in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS andavoidance of activities that may escalate tensions. The two sides underlinedtheir support for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declarationof the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety andagreed to enhance efforts towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conductin the South China Sea (COC) that is effective, substantive, and consistentwith international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
27. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the open and candid detaileddiscussion conducted in the spirit of mutual understanding and at the importantoutcomes achieved during Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s visit. H.E. Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia thanked the Government and peopleof Vietnam for the warm hospitality and gracious reception extended to theMalaysian delegation on this occasion and cordially invited Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc and spouse to visit Malaysia at a mutually convenient date.Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc graciously accepted the invitation. - VNA
The following is the full text of the Joint Statement.
1. At the invitation of H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the SocialistRepublic of Vietnam, H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysiapaid an official visit to Vietnam from 26 to 28 August 2019. The Prime Ministerof Malaysia was accompanied by a high level official delegation, which includedthe Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the Prime Minister’sOffice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of International Tradeand Industry.
2. The official welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was heldat the Presidential Palace on 27 August 2019. During the visit, Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.Thereafter, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Letter ofIntent on the signing of the MOU on Maritime Law Enforcement and Search andRescue Cooperation and exchange of Letters on the establishment of the Malaysia– Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucsubsequently hosted an official dinner in honour of Prime Minister MahathirMohamad. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad later called on H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong,General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam.
3. During the bilateral meeting, the two Prime Ministers discussed a wide rangeof bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests. Both sidesnoted with satisfaction that the excellent Strategic Partnership between thetwo countries has been constantly bolstered on the basis of mutual trust andextensive cooperation in all areas, particularly economics, defense, security,agriculture, socio-cultural exchange and people-to-people links, among others.
POLITICAL COOPERATION
4. The two Prime Ministers agreed to maintain frequent high-level contacts andincrease discussions on strategic issues through the exchange of high-levelvisits, as well as regular exchanges among political parties, governmental andparliamentary delegations. The two leaders also pledged to expand bilateralcooperation through the existing mechanisms and consultations platforms,including the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and TechnologicalCooperation (JCM) and the Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue (SOSD).
5. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the effective implementation of the Vietnam– Malaysia Plan of Action 2017 – 2019 in all areas of cooperation, and welcomedthe discussion that has started between both sides on the new Plan of Actions(POA) for the period of 2020 – 2025.
6. The Prime Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia – VietnamParliamentary Friendship Group through the exchange of letters by both sides. Theestablishment of the Friendship Group will further strengthen parliamentaryrelations and cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia.
SECURITY, DEFENSE AND LEGAL COOPERATION
7. The two Prime Ministers agreed to increase bilateral exchanges in defense throughthe prompt establishment of the High Level Committee (HLC) on DefenceCooperation. Both sides agreed to hold the first meeting of the HLC on DefenceCooperation that will be hosted by Vietnam in 2019.
8. Both sides also agreed to hold the first meeting of the Joint Working Group(JWG) on Transnational Crimes under the framework of the Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating TransnationalCrimes signed in 2015.
9. Both sides affirmed their commitment to enhancing further the cooperation inpreventing and combating transnational and high-tech crimes, and other crimesrelated to drugs, piracy, terrorism and illegal immigration. Legal frameworkswill be established to strengthen cooperation in this area, includingexpediting the negotiation of an MOU on Legal Cooperation Activities, Agreementon Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons and agreement oninternational transfer of prisoners/sentenced persons. Both sides reaffirmedthe commitment to not allowing any organisation or individual to use theterritory of one country to conduct hostile activities against the other.
10. Both sides affirmed the commitment to accord due process of law inaccordance with domestic and international laws, and in a fair and objectivemanner, to citizens of either side when placed under arrest and investigationby the other.
11. Both sides shared concerns over the issues of vessels encroachment andillegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Prime Ministersreaffirmed their continued efforts to address IUU fishing including sharing ofinformation under the existing platform of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) onAgricultural Cooperation Between Malaysia and Vietnam. Vietnam appreciated thehumane treatment and prompt repatriation of apprehended crews and fishermen byMalaysia, and highlighted its ongoing efforts to promote public awareness onresponsible fishing as well as developing mechanisms to address the challengesof IUU fishing.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
12. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent progress inbilateral economic cooperation, including the double-digit growth of totaltrade turnover to 13.3 billion USD in 2018. Both sides should work together andmake greater efforts to strengthen the strategic economic partnership betweenthe two countries.
13. Both sides agreed to promote the mutual import and export of each country’sproducts, including electrical and electronics, petroleum products, chemicalsand chemical products, manufactures of metal, machinery, equipment and parts,agricultural produce, palm oil, halal products, seafood, as well as garmentsand textiles, and raise the total trade to reach 15 billion USD or higher by2020.
14. Malaysia appreciated Vietnam’s continued readiness to export rice toMalaysia at competitive price to the Malaysian market on the basis of theMemorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Rice Trading between VinaFood IIand Bernas of Malaysia, as well as other related agreements and cooperationdocuments. Malaysia would provide information on halal food regulations torelevant Vietnamese authority, and both sides have agreed to facilitate theentry of products including halal products and services into each other’sdomestic market.
15. Both sides agreed that the investment agencies should enhance cooperation,including by organising investment promotion activities to help investorsexplore the investment opportunities in both countries. The two Prime Ministersemphasised on investments in areas of high potential, such as oil and gas,information technology, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence,Industrial Revolution 4.0, wastewater treatment, skill training, logistics,smart agriculture, food industry (halal) and textiles. Both sides encourageinvestors to resolve any outstanding or arising business disputes in accordancewith the receiving countries’ rules and regulations.
16. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of cooperation in thefield of oil and gas and encourage both sides’ downstream businesses tostrengthen and expand cooperation, particularly in the lubricant andpetrochemical sectors.
LABOUR COOPERATION
17. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit andwelcomed the organisation of the Joint Working Group Meeting to implement theMemorandum of Understanding on Labor Recruitment and Placement signed in 2015.
COOPERATION IN OTHER AREAS
18. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum ofUnderstanding on Education Cooperation in March 2019. Both sides agreed toenhance cooperation in education and training. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucthanked the Government of Malaysia for providing valuable trainings toVietnamese officials through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP)and hoped that the Malaysian Government would continue the program in thefuture.
19. Both sides agreed to enhance comprehensive connectivity and boost culturaland arts exchanges and tourism by increasing the frequency of Vietnam-Malaysiadirect flights. Both sides agreed to finalise the Air Services Agreement (ASA)for signing at a suitable time.
20. Both sides also agreed to give due attention to and provide favorableconditions for the two countries’ public and non-governmental organisations,particularly the business and friendship associations, to increase exchangesand cooperation as part of the joint effort to promote cooperation ineconomics, tourism and culture. Both sides encouraged their respectivelocalities to step up cooperation through the exchange of delegations atvarious levels and share management expertise, particularly in urban planning,transport infrastructure, and innovative entrepreneurship.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
21. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperationbetween the two countries at regional and international fora, including ASEANand ASEAN-led mechanisms, APEC, ASEM, NAM, WTO and the UN. In this spirit,Malaysia expressed its support for Vietnam’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020 andnon-permanent membership in the United Nation Security Council for the term 2020– 2021. Vietnam affirmed its strong support for Malaysia’s hosting of APEC2020.
22. Both sides agreed to bolsterconsultations and dialogues as mechanisms for sharing views, positions andinitiatives to address regional and global challenges, including terrorism,transnational crimes, climate change, disaster risk management and mitigation,food, water and energy security related issues as well as marine plastic waste.
23. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining ASEANunity and centrality and ensuring the full and effective implementation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at theagreement reached by ASEAN leaders on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,which highlighted ASEAN centrality, inclusiveness, complementarity, arules-based order consistent with international law, and commitment to regionaleconomic integration. They reaffirmed their commitment to work with other ASEANmembers in promoting a cohesive, coherent, resilient, responsive, andinnovative ASEAN Community that plays a central role in the evolving regionalarchitecture.
24. Both sides reiterated the importance of supporting free and fair trade andan open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading systemwith the WTO at its core. Both sides committed to having close coordination inthe negotiation and implementation of multilateral trade agreements, with theaim of reaching a speedy conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership (RCEP) negotiations that takes into consideration different levelsof economic development of participating countries.
25. Both sides underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability,security and the rule of law in the region, which includes the safety, securityand freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea and expressedserious concerns over recent developments in the South China Sea. The two sidesagreed that disputes shall be resolved through peaceful means, including fullrespect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat oruse of force, in accordance with the principles of international law, includingthe 1982 UNCLOS.
26. Both Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of self-restraint,non-militarisation and observance of international legal obligations in goodfaith, respect for sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of thecoastal states, and rule of law in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS andavoidance of activities that may escalate tensions. The two sides underlinedtheir support for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declarationof the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety andagreed to enhance efforts towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conductin the South China Sea (COC) that is effective, substantive, and consistentwith international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
27. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the open and candid detaileddiscussion conducted in the spirit of mutual understanding and at the importantoutcomes achieved during Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s visit. H.E. Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia thanked the Government and peopleof Vietnam for the warm hospitality and gracious reception extended to theMalaysian delegation on this occasion and cordially invited Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc and spouse to visit Malaysia at a mutually convenient date.Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc graciously accepted the invitation. - VNA
VNA
