Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed this afternoon that this marks the Sultan’s first visit to Vietnam in six years and his seventh overall to the country.

The Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership continues to develop positively across multiple areas. Political cooperation has been strengthened, with regular high-level and working-level exchanges, and the maintenance of effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has also seen strong progress. In 2024, two-way trade turnover reached approximately USD 671.4 million, a 165% increase compared to 2023. Of that total, Vietnam imported nearly USD 527 million worth of goods (up 201%) and exported over USD 144.5 million (up 85%).

Vietnam mainly exports seafood and rice to Brunei, while imports consist primarily of crude oil and chemicals. Products such as coffee, fruit juice, and dried fruit are also gradually entering the Brunei market.

The two countries are actively enhancing cooperation in defense, security, energy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Maritime cooperation is considered a key pillar in implementing the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Brunei.

According to the spokesperson, during the upcoming visit, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah will hold talks with President Luong Cuong and meet with General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Sultan will also participate in other important diplomatic activities.

Tran Thuong