(VOVWORLD) - The ongoing visit of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah demonstrates Brunei’s great affection for Vietnam and marks a new milestone in bilateral ties, said Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong while hosting a state banquet in Hanoi on Wednesday evening.
 Party and State leader and President Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Hanoi on March 27, 2019. (Photo: VNA) |
Mr. Trong said Vietnam’s official admission to ASEAN at an event in Brunei in 1995 was important to Vietnam’s relationship with Brunei and ASEAN. He added that Vietnam always treasures and wants to elevate its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Brunei, which is one of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities.
Party and State leader Trong said: “Over the past nearly 30 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, despite changes in the region and the world, Vietnam and Brunei have strengthened their friendship and cooperation to benefit both countries’ economics, politics, foreign policy, security, culture, and education. The establishment of the Vietnam-Brunei comprehensive partnership is a great stride forward, representing the determination of Vietnamese and Brunei leaders to promote practical cooperation, in line with regional and global trend.”
Mr. Trong said Vietnam and Brunei have maintained close coordination on regional and global issues, including the East Sea, maritime security, climate change, counter-terrorism, and the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The Brunei Sultan expressed his impression on Vietnam’s recent achievements and warmer ties and trust between the two peoples. Bilateral ties have expanded to energy, education, agriculture, and tourism, helping to improve people’s lives. The Sultan called for greater joint efforts in building and implementing the ASEAN Community agenda.