On November 21, following an official welcome ceremony, General Secretary To Lam held formal talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed Malaysia’s longstanding support for Vietnam, from its early days of renovation (Doi Moi) to its ASEAN membership and ongoing development efforts.

He emphasized the significance of General Secretary To Lam’s visit, describing it as a catalyst for deepening mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted the visit’s importance in fostering friendship and mutual understanding while opening doors to greater collaboration.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust and comprehensive development of Vietnam-Malaysia relations, particularly since their elevation to a strategic partnership in 2015.

The two countries, which share cultural and historical similarities and many common interests, are now entering a new phase of development, aiming to contribute to peace, security, and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to upgrade Vietnam-Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to benefit the people of both nations and contribute to ASEAN's and global peace and sustainable development.

The two leaders committed to strengthening political trust, expanding defense and security cooperation, and enhancing ties across party, state, government, and parliamentary channels. They also agreed to increase high-level exchanges between the two countries’ leaders.

The leaders discussed boosting economic connectivity for sustainable development and identified new resources for both nations' growth. They agreed to prioritize cooperation in the Halal industry, encourage mutual investment, and foster collaboration in science and technology, green economy, innovation, digital transformation, and green energy.

General Secretary To Lam welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposed policies to advance cooperation, including initiatives to build an ASEAN power grid and foster a blue economy.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s history and shared his long-standing wish to visit Dien Bien Phu, a site of historical significance.

General Secretary To Lam congratulated Malaysia on its dynamic development and expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to excel as ASEAN Chair in 2025, guiding the region through challenges toward new achievements.

General Secretary To Lam invited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to participate in the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Vietnam, which the Malaysian leader accepted warmly.

Later in the day, General Secretary To Lam met with Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Bin Abdul, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives.

They acknowledged the significance of Malaysia being the first Southeast Asian country visited by the General Secretary in his new role, reflecting Vietnam’s high regard for Malaysia.

Malaysia and Vietnam are key economic partners, sharing common interests and perspectives on regional and international issues.

During the meeting, General Secretary To Lam shared the milestone of upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian nation to achieve this highest level of diplomatic ties with Vietnam.

The General Secretary encouraged closer cooperation between Malaysia’s Parliament and Vietnam’s National Assembly, particularly in overseeing the implementation of agreements to strengthen bilateral relations.

During his meeting with Senate President Dato’ Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, the General Secretary outlined four pillars of collaboration and proposed actions to expand bilateral cooperation.

Senate President Awang Ali Basah welcomed the enhanced partnership, acknowledging it as a reflection of the strategic and dynamic relationship between the two nations.

Both sides agreed to expedite the development and implementation of an action plan for their cooperation framework.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation in bolstering Vietnam-Malaysia relations, proposing the negotiation of new agreements to establish a solid foundation for future bilateral ties.

Tran Thuong