Vietnam and Saudi Arabia are looking to deepen cooperation in religious affairs, ethnic minority development and the Halal industry, with officials discussing a formal partnership mechanism during talks in Hanoi on November 10.
Nguyen Dinh Khang, a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, received Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Thamer Mohammed A. Algosaibi in Hanoi on November 10.
Vietnam proposes cooperation mechanism on ethnic and religious affairs
Welcoming the ambassador to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Khang expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations and cooperation between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang says Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have considerable potential to expand cooperation beyond economic, cultural and religious exchanges. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1999, the two countries have developed ties across various fields, although considerable potential remains for expanding economic cooperation and cultural and religious exchanges.
The minister expressed hope that bilateral relations could be elevated to a new level, particularly through stronger cooperation on ethnic and religious affairs.
Providing an overview of Vietnam's religious landscape, Khang said Islam is among the 16 religions legally recognized and permitted to operate in the country.
He emphasized that Vietnam consistently creates favorable conditions for people to exercise their right to freedom of belief and participate in religious activities.
Regarding ethnic affairs, the minister noted that Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, including 53 ethnic minority groups.
The country places importance on ensuring equality among ethnic communities, enabling them to participate in national development and share in its benefits.
Khang said these areas offer considerable opportunities for the two countries to exchange experiences, learn from each other's approaches and apply relevant practices.
He proposed that the Saudi ambassador identify an appropriate counterpart agency in Saudi Arabia to establish cooperation with Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Such engagement could pave the way for a formal coordination mechanism and more structured bilateral exchanges.
The minister also expressed hope that the ambassador would continue supporting Vietnamese Muslims undertaking religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.
Halal investment and workforce training offer new opportunities
Saudi Arabian Ambassador Thamer Mohammed A. Algosaibi affirms his country's commitment to strengthening relations with Vietnam, particularly in religious affairs. Photo: Le Anh Dung
Turning to economic cooperation, Khang welcomed efforts to strengthen ties in the Halal industry and expand the market for Halal products.
He suggested that Saudi Arabian partners consider investing in Halal-related projects in Vietnam or establishing joint ventures with Vietnamese businesses to manufacture Halal-certified products.
Other potential areas of cooperation include technology transfer, workforce training and research into certification standards to help Vietnamese products meet Halal requirements.
The minister expressed hope that the two countries would make Halal cooperation a priority in their economic partnership, helping increase bilateral export turnover.
He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in vocational training and human resource development.
With many Vietnamese nationals working in Saudi Arabia, the two sides could strengthen exchanges on training methods and professional standards to help Vietnamese workers better meet the qualifications and employment needs of the Saudi labor market.
Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang receives Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Thamer Mohammed A. Algosaibi in Hanoi. Photo: Le Anh Dung
During the meeting, Ambassador Algosaibi praised the development of Vietnam-Saudi Arabia relations and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam, particularly in religious affairs.
He pledged to work toward more substantive and effective cooperation between the two countries, including closer engagement between Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and relevant Saudi Arabian partners.
Potential areas of collaboration include religious exchanges, pilgrimage support, education and training, community assistance and the Halal industry.
Following the discussions, Khang instructed the ministry's International Cooperation Department to continue working with the Saudi Arabian Embassy on drafting a memorandum of understanding.
He also expressed hope that the ambassador would promptly convey the proposals to the Saudi Arabian government to help advance the planned cooperation.
Vietnamnet.vn
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