Sang noted that the King’s visit, which is taking place at a time when Vietnam and Malaysia are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, not only shows his special interest in Vietnam but also helps strengthen bilateral relations.

He recalled his State-level visit to Malaysia in September 2011 and congratulated Malaysia on its recent achievements, especially in economic development.

He expressed his belief that Malaysia will successfully realise its “Vision 2020” to turn it into a developed nation with rising position regionally and globally.

The King highly valued Vietnam’s development during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, congratulated Vietnam  on its 68^th National Day (September 2) and hoped Vietnamese people will reap greater successes in national development.              

Both sides expressed pleasure at the rapid development of the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia in recent times.

They acknowledged activities Vietnam and Malaysia are organising to mark 40 years of their diplomatic ties in 2013, and agreed to maintain the exchange of high-level visits, as well as those between their ministries, agencies, localities and people’s organisations.

Malaysia is one of Vietnam’s leading trade and investment partners, Sang told the King, assuring him that the Vietnamese State creates favourable conditions for Malaysian businesses to invest in its territory.

They agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in security-national defence, labour, oil and gas, education-training, agriculture, and aquaculture.

While examining regional and international issues of mutual concern, President Sang proposed both sides maintain effective cooperation at regional and international forums, especially within the framework of ASEAN, ASEM, APEC and the UN.

Sang appreciated Malaysia’s stance on the East Sea issue and proposed the two countries continue to work closely with other ASEAN countries on the issue.

In the evening, President Sang hosted a banquet in honour of the King, his wife and the entourage. 

The same day, the King was received by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of expanding the friendship and all-round cooperation with its neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.

The King briefed Party leader Trong on the result of his meeting with President Sang, during which they agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in economics and trade and coordinate closely at regional and international forums, first and foremost within ASEAN.

The King invited Trong to visit Malaysia at an appropriate time, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.