HANOI — Vietnam is making significant strides in its diplomatic engagements with key nations of the Middle East. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently held discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar during a working session on December 24.
During the session, PM Chinh expressed high regard for the contributions made by the ambassadors and staff from these nations, acknowledging their role in the recent success of his visits there. These visits, which included trips to the UAE and Saudi Arabia twice and his first visit to Qatar in 15 years, were instrumental in enhancing bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister noted, "The visits had delivered a strong message of Vietnam's determination to promote cooperation with these nations for mutual interests." He emphasized the importance of these relationships, particularly as Vietnam trains its focus on the Middle Eastern countries for economic development and partnership.
To streamline efforts, PM Chinh revealed plans to have the Minister of Planning and Investment oversee the execution of cooperation commitments made during his visits. This includes creating lists of prioritized investment projects to present to officials from the three nations.
Chinh proposed the establishment of joint working groups between Vietnam and the Gulf nations to facilitate this process, aiming to boost market access for goods, particularly those where both sides hold competitive advantages, such as agricultural and Halal products. "We are ready to cooperate with our counterparts," he stated, encouraging discussions on potential Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Among the sectors identified for intense cooperation were agriculture, energy, oil and gas, digital transformation, and green transition, with Chinh calling for enhanced bilateral investment. Notably, he expressed hopes for assistance to develop international financial centers within Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Beyond economic ties, PM Chinh highlighted the necessity of deepening cooperation across various fields such as defense, security, tourism, culture, and education.
Encouraging future collaborations, he mentioned, "Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to help Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia strengthen ties with ASEAN and Southeast Asian countries." This sentiment demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to being an active participant in fostering regional relationships.
The ambassadors concurred with the Prime Minister, affirming their nations’ commitment to implementing the agreements resolved during Chinh’s visits. They emphasized the importance of working closely with Vietnamese ministries to establish a ministerial committee to facilitate cooperation, identify tasks, and prepare for high-level visits.
According to the ambassadors, the growing interest from businesses within Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar signals strong investment prospects and demonstrates the importance of Vietnam as a strategic partner. "We view the cooperation with Vietnam as pivotal for our nations," they expressed, indicating mutual respect and eagerness to develop future relationships.
Vietnam continues to position itself as a strategic partner within Southeast Asia and beyond, taking calculated steps to engage meaningfully with countries of significant influence. These initiatives are not only fostering bilateral relationships but also laying the groundwork for Vietnam's emergence as a proactive player on the international stage.
With its strong diplomatic overtures and the determination showcased by PM Chinh, Vietnam appears set to leverage its relationships with the Gulf nations for mutual growth and prosperity, signifying the country’s direction toward development and international cooperation.
