Fostering ties between Vietnam and Arab countries- new approach of Saudi Arabian diplomacy

WVR - Based on the fine traditional relationship in the past, this is the right time to bring Vietnam's relations with Arab countries to a new height and in a more substantial and extensive manner, said Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy.
Measures to foster Vietnam's ties with Arab countries- a new approach of Saudi Arabian diplomacy
Ambassadors of Arab countries to Vietnam and former Vietnamese Ambassadors to Arab countries take a group photo. (Photo courtesy of Saudi Arabian Embassy in Vietnam)

On March 13, in a cosy atmosphere at Saudi Arabian Ambassador's Residence in Hanoi, Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy hosted a meeting among Ambassadors of Arab countries to Vietnam and former Vietnamese Ambassadors to Arab countries to seek measures to enhance relations between Vietnam and Arab countries in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular.

This meeting was the initiative of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and was the first of its kind. Attending the event were Ambassadors from other Arab countries to Vietnam, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Algeria, Palestine, Morocco; as well as former Vietnamese Ambassadors to the Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar and Algeria.

Measures to foster Vietnam's ties with Arab countries- a new approach of Saudi Arabian diplomacy
Measures to foster Vietnam's ties with Arab countries: Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy. (Photo courtesy of Saudi Arabian Embassy in Vietnam)

Speaking at a meeting, Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy said that this event was a good opportunity for the participants to exchange views, share experience and discuss measures to boost relations between Vietnam and the region. Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries consider Vietnam as a bright spot in economic growth, and hope for closer cooperation in the coming time, the Ambassador affirmed.

Ambassadors of Arab countries pledged to do their utmost to further develop relations with Vietnam. Recalling the past "side by side, shoulder to shoulder" with Vietnam in the struggle for independence and reunification, diplomatic representatives from Arab countries said that the two sides have a good traditional relationship.

Stressing that Vietnam is an important partner of their countries in Southeast Asia, the Ambassadors showed their hope to cooperate with and receive support from Vietnamese friends to bring the ties to a new height. According to them, there remains ample room to promote Vietnam’s ties with Arab countries. They suggested the sides intensify collaboration in culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Former Vietnamese Ambassadors affirmed their willingness to cooperate with the Arab community to enhance bilateral ties.

Ambassadors of Arab countries and former Vietnamese Ambassadors made many practical suggestions to forster Vietnam's relations with Arab countries.

The Ambassadors proposed opening new direct air routes, stepping up the holding of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, organizing Arab Days in Vietnam as well as Vietnam Days in Arab countries, seminars, setting up business net-workings and strengthening cooperation in politics, economics, investment, tourism and sports and between localities.

Measures to foster Vietnam's ties with Arab countries- new approach of Saudi Arabian diplomacy
Measures to foster Vietnam's ties with Arab countries- new approach of Saudi Arabian diplomacy

Over the past time, the relationship between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia has developed positively in various fields. Notably, in March 2022, the visit to Vietnam by the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud was very successful, opening up more prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

The two Foreign Ministries successfully held the first political consultation session in Riyadh on February 8, 2023. The two sides affirmed their desire to continue developing bilateral relations in various fields, and consulted on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

The fifth meeting of the Vietnam-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2023.

The two countries also regularly coordinate and support each other's candidates in international forums and cooperation. Saudi Arabia has provided with humanitarian assistance and development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam.

The trade exchange turnover between the two countries has grown impressively and has exceeded 2 billion USD; in 2022 reached USD 2.63 billion, up 30.4% compared to 2021.

Currently, there are a number of large Saudi Arabian companies investing in Vietnam, including Zamil Steel Company, ACWA Power Company, SABIC Company (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation), contributing positively to the socio - economic development in Vietnam.

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(Source: WVR)