Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam had a meeting with Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato' Johari Bin Abdul on November 21, 2024 (photo: VOV)

The two leaders praised the comprehensive, effective cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia across various sectors. They affirmed their status as key economic partners of each other, sharing interests and similar perspectives on regional and global matters.

Party leader Lam updated Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Johari on the outcomes of his talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which they agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This milestone makes Malaysia the first Southeast Asian nation to have the highest relationship framework with Vietnam, he noted.

He urged the Malaysian Parliament, particularly the House of Representatives, to collaborate with Vietnam’s National Assembly to oversee the effective implementation of agreements and documents and work toward signing a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Malaysian Parliament in the coming time.

The Vietnamese Party leader affirmed Vietnam’s strong support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and its Chair of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to uphold the parliaments' roles in enhancing inner-ASEAN cooperation, promoting the building of a united, resilient ASEAN, and strengthening the bloc's centrality.

Johari pledged that Malaysia will prioritise regional development during its ASEAN Chairmanship, promoting Southeast Asia as a prime destination for international investors and a region of peace, freedom, trust and neutrality.

Reaffirming Malaysia’s respect for its relations with Vietnam, he committed closer collaboration to enhance peace, friendship and stability in Southeast Asia and improve the position and role of ASEAN.