PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong discussed the South China Sea dispute during a bilateral meeting yesterday.

Both leaders agreed to fully adhere to the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea as well as call for an effective Code of Conduct of the South China Sea.

They have also agreed to boost cooperation to address illegal fishing in Malaysian waters.

“(Malaysia) seek continued cooperation and commitment from Vietnam in combating illegal fishing in Malaysian waters (involving more than 1,000 vessels and 10,000 crew since 2006),” said Anwar after a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco yesterday.

Also present during the meeting were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States Nazri Abdul Aziz and lawmaker Sim Tze Tzin.

Apart from discussing ways to increase bilateral trade and enhance bilateral cooperation, Anwar said he also extended an invitation to the Vietnamese president to undertake a state visit to Malaysia sometime next year.

Hanoi is Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner globally, and it is also the country’s fourth largest trading partner in Asean after Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

Last year, total bilateral trade increased by 16.4% to US$19.44 billion (RM90.83 billion) from US$16.7 billion (RM78.03 billion) in 2021.

In terms of investments, Malaysia is Vietnam’s 10th largest investor after Singapore and Thailand.

Vietnam, on the other hand, requested Malaysia to facilitate halal products from Vietnam and to cooperate on halal certification.  

Hanoi also thanked Malaysia for training its officials under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.

“Vietnam proposed sister-city cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysian cities,” said Anwar.

Both leaders also reaffirmed Asean unity and reiterated support for Laos’ chairmanship of Asean next year. – Bernama, November 17, 2023.