Vietnam – Brunei strengthen cooperation to connect the two economies

On the morning of February 11, 2023, after the solemn official welcome ceremony and meeting with members of the Royal Brunei Darussalam at Istana Nurul Iman Palace, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with King Hassanal Bolkiah.

King Hassanal Bolkiah warmly welcomed and appreciated the significance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s first official visit to Brunei Darussalam, helping to create a new impetus for the two countries’ cooperation to develop further. extensive in all fields.

The Sultan of Brunei expressed his satisfaction with the upgrade of relations between the two countries to a Comprehensive Partnership on the occasion of the King’s visit to Vietnam in 2019; At the same time, respectfully convey my regards to the Vietnamese Senior Leaders. The King also congratulated Vietnam on controlling the Covid-19 epidemic, quickly recovering with the highest GDP growth rate in the region; affirming that Brunei always attaches importance to and wishes to constantly develop cooperation relations with Vietnam, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education and agriculture.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the King and Royal Family of Brunei for the warm and respectful welcome; respectfully convey the cordial greetings of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Vietnamese senior leaders to the King and Royal Family.

The Prime Minister also expressed his pleasure to visit the country that has been associated with an important international integration milestone of Vietnam, when it was in Bandar Seri Begawan capital in July 1995 that Vietnam became the 7th member. of ASEAN; affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of always attaching importance to promoting the Comprehensive Partnership with Brunei. The Prime Minister congratulated Brunei on its achievements in economic development and social security, and believed that Brunei would soon successfully implement the Brunei Vision 2035 (Wawasan Brunei 2035), becoming a country with an economy. dynamic and sustainable economic development.

The two leaders highly appreciated the effective development of the Vietnam – Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership in all fields, from politics, security, defense, to economy, trade and investment. , marine cooperation, energy, education and training…

In particular, trade cooperation has made great progress; two-way turnover in 2022 reached 725.8 million USD, up 134% compared to 2021.

The two leaders highly agreed on directions to enhance cooperation between Vietnam and Brunei in various fields in the coming time. Accordingly, the two sides will continue to promote exchanges and contacts at high levels and at all levels; effectively implement the cooperation mechanism of the Bilateral Cooperation Committee at the Ministerial level; effectively implement important cooperation agreements, especially the Action Program to implement the Vietnam – Brunei Darussalam Comprehensive Partnership for the period of 2023-2027 which has just been signed on this occasion.

The two sides agreed to promote trade growth in a more diversified and balanced direction; consider the possibility of joint venture cooperation in fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing as well as looking for opportunities in new areas of cooperation such as digital economy, circular economy and response to climate change.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested Brunei Darussalam create favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to access the Brunei Darussalam market, especially rice and Halal agricultural and aquatic products; welcomes and will continue to create favorable conditions for Brunei Darussalam businesses to expand business investment in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister proposed the two sides strengthen cooperation to connect the two economies to support the building of an independent and self-reliant economy, associated with deep, substantive and effective international integration.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other important fields such as defence, security and maritime cooperation, including effectively maintaining a hotline to support fisheries activities and sharing information. law enforcement at sea; at the same time, promoting cooperation in education-training, tourism, enhancing connectivity, and increasing the frequency of direct commercial flights.

Discussing regional and international issues, the Prime Minister highly appreciated Brunei Darussalam’s term of ASEAN Chair 2021 as well as the close coordination between the two countries when Vietnam is the ASEAN Chair 2020. leaders agreed to continue to strengthen consultation and close coordination between the two countries at regional and international forums; preserve solidarity and promote the central role of ASEAN.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of navigation in the East Sea; jointly maintain ASEAN’s solidarity and common stance on the East Sea issue, and strive for progress in negotiating a Code of Conduct (COC).

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh cordially invited the Sultan of Brunei and the Queen to visit Vietnam at a suitable time. The Sultan of Brunei happily accepted the invitation and looked forward to visiting Vietnam soon.

At the end of the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony and exchanged the Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Partnership 2023-2027 and the exchange of Notes on the Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic passport holders. and official passport between Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam.