Hanoi, September 21, 2025 — The Europe Today: National Assembly (NA) Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s official visit to Malaysia and participation in the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly have left strong impressions across political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres, reaffirming Vietnam’s role, commitment, and proactive engagement in AIPA and ASEAN cooperation.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Anh Tuấn told the press that the September 16–20 trip reflected the strong political determination of Việt Nam and Malaysia to effectively implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including deepening parliamentary cooperation. The visit also consolidated bilateral political relations and expanded multifaceted cooperation, particularly as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
During the trip, NA Chairman Mẫn held talks with the President of the Malaysian Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, paid a courtesy call on the Malaysian Prime Minister, and met with the Vietnamese community in Malaysia. These engagements yielded practical outcomes in line with both countries’ aspirations to foster peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.
The two sides reached important orientations in economy, trade, and investment, with a shared goal of raising bilateral trade to over US$18 billion. They agreed to facilitate business cooperation, remove legal bottlenecks to encourage Malaysian investment in Việt Nam, and strengthen collaboration in renewable and clean energy, oil and gas, science and technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, the Halal industry, and ASEAN power grid projects. In addition, both countries pledged to enhance cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth.
Parliamentary cooperation was a central focus of the visit. Both sides agreed to step up exchanges of high-level and committee-level delegations, as well as women and young parliamentarians, while sharing legislative experiences and information. They committed to supervising the implementation of international treaties and agreements signed between the two governments, and to coordinating closely at multilateral forums.
At AIPA-46, Chairman Mẫn actively contributed to discussions with leaders of member parliaments, affirming that parliaments will accompany governments in translating high-level commitments and AIPA resolutions into concrete actions. He emphasized the need to align ASEAN’s strategies with national development agendas while boosting cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, innovation, climate change adaptation, and disaster management.
The General Assembly adopted several resolutions proposed or co-sponsored by Việt Nam, notably in digital economy, digital transformation, cyber security, intra-bloc trade, enhanced cooperation with partners, and parliamentary diplomacy for regional stability. Resolutions highlighting the role of youth in digital transformation, digital human resources development, effective digital economy utilization, and cybercrime prevention were also adopted, contributing to the creation of a stronger ASEAN “digital ecosystem” in line with Việt Nam’s priorities.
Deputy Minister Tuấn stressed that the visit has opened new opportunities to advance Việt Nam–Malaysia cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries will soon finalize and implement the 2025–2030 Action Programme, a key framework to realize joint commitments and deepen ties.
Economic cooperation remains a highlight, with both sides working to support businesses in expanding trade and investment, striving to exceed the US$18 billion target. Priority sectors include oil and gas, energy, high technology, fisheries, aquaculture, digital transformation, and the Halal industry.
In the socio-cultural field, the two countries agreed to promote education and vocational training, expand high-quality human resources development, and strengthen tourism exchanges. Malaysia will provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students, while both sides seek to enhance youth engagement and people-to-people bonds. Việt Nam reaffirmed its support for the Vietnamese community in Malaysia, encouraging its positive role in bilateral ties and sustainable development.
Việt Nam also expressed strong support for Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and pledged close coordination on regional and international issues of shared concern, contributing to a united, resilient ASEAN Community that upholds its central role in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
