The Ambassador of Malaysia to Vietnam, H.E. Mohd. Zamruni bin Khalid, spoke about bilateral relations since the Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed in 2015.

■ What have been the actual outcomes of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in August 2015 between the two countries?

It is still too early to outline the actual outcomes of the Strategic Partnership at this juncture. There are still a lot of discussions to be carried out to ensure its effective implementation.

However, already we can see that there is a marked improvement in our bilateral relations, especially between the leaders of both countries. 

I also believe that with this strategic partnership our cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, education, defense, maritime matters, and tourism are ready for further expansion.

■ What has Malaysia done since the Agreement was signed and what has Vietnam done in return?

It is rather difficult to talk about each country’s contribution on separate terms as the Agreement is meant for the mutual benefit of both. 

Malaysia as well as Vietnam has been working vigorously on various issues in the Agreement. 

For example, both sides have established the Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue (SOSD), whereby senior officials from both countries met for their first talks on April 4 in Hanoi.

Both sides constructively discussed future cooperation as well as the sharing of experience and knowledge in various areas. 

The SOSD is evidence that the Agreement is able to create new mechanisms for discussions on how to move forward the cooperation aspects of the Agreement for the benefit of both countries.

Since the Plan of Action (POA) under the Strategic Framework is still under negotiation, most of the expected outcomes are still pending. 

Malaysia and Vietnam look forward to finalizing the POA so that we can reap the benefits of the Agreement as soon as possible.

■ Are there any significant investments from Malaysia into Vietnam and vice-versa in the near future due to the Agreement?

Malaysian investors already have a strong presence in Vietnam and Malaysia was among the first countries to begin investing in Vietnam, in the early 1990s. Malaysian investment in Vietnam now exceeds $13 billion.

Significant investments from Malaysia this year include a $210 million lottery system from Berjaya Corporation Berhad, a $2.2 billion power plant from Teknik Janakuasa, and the recently-signed $6 billion deal to develop Saigon Peninsula in Ho Chi Minh City by Genting Berhad and the Pavilion Group. With the improving business environment in Vietnam we are seeing more Malaysian companies coming to the country.

■ In terms of regional cooperation, do you think Vietnam and Malaysia have a consensus in resolving regional disputes? Why?

Malaysia and Vietnam are in the same regional platform - ASEAN. Malaysia is aware that the shifting regional and global dynamics, especially within the Asia-Pacific region, requires a closer look at how we can ensure that ASEAN’s relevance and centrality are maintained and enhanced in the evolving regional architecture. 

I believe that ASEAN is already at the forefront in dealing with issues of common concern in the region. 

All ASEAN members, including Malaysia and Vietnam, need to ensure that the principle of ASEAN centrality is maintained to deal effectively with regional issues. Thus far Malaysia and Vietnam have shown excellent cooperation and collaboration as far as ASEAN matters are concerned.

■ It seems that ASEAN is still divided, especially on the maritime issue in the East Sea. Why is that in your view?

Malaysia believes that matters relating to the East Sea are multi-faceted, complex and highly sensitive, and must be handled delicately and constructively. 

Issues concerning overlapping claims in the East Sea should be addressed through peaceful means, including dialogue and discussions amongst the countries concerned, without resorting to the threat or use of force and in accordance with universally-recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Malaysia reaffirms the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and overflight above the East Sea. 

It is important for all parties to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct (DOC). 

At the same time Malaysia is pleased with the momentum in negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC).

VN Economic Times