Pakistan Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: Vietnam is set on a path to rapid success like the 'year of the Horse'

Pakistan's Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri. (Photo: Trung Anh)

Vietnam will hold the election for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils for the 2026-2031 term on March 15. On this occasion, Ambassador Kohdayar Marri spoke with The World and Vietnam Report about the significance of this event for Vietnam's development and his expectations for the partnership between the two nations.

Your Excellency, Vietnam is currently preparing for the election of deputies to the new National Assembly and the People's Councils. How do you evaluate the significance of this major political event for Vietnam's socio-economic development in the upcoming period?

From what I've heard at the speeches at the Assembly, and all the other statements made by the Secretary General To Lam and the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh - who I was a big fan of and fond of, I think Vietnam has been set on a path to rapid success, like the "year of the Horse".

I hope that this year, things will move much faster. All the hard work done by the previous administration has set the pace for what's going to come next. I'm looking forward to seeing how the ideas that have been planted over the past few years will be implemented and taken forward.

Hanoi is brightly flagged to welcome the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to the People's Council at all levels for the term 2026-2031 on March 15. (Photo: Journal of Education and Times)

How do you feel about the vibe and the atmosphere of the people, as well as their interest in this election?

I have not sensed any stress or concern from people. People are very relaxed, caring about their daily business and work without much consideration of any instability. I've seen many elections in many countries, and usually there's a lot of stress because people don't know what the future is going to bring.

But here, Vietnam has had a very stable trajectory, and trust has been built up between the government and the people. People are very calm, at ease, and relaxed. They know whatever happens, the government will look at their best interests and take things forward to benefit the country best.

More from WVR
Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass: 16th National Assembly election is an opportunity to ensure all policies are implemented

During your tenure here, what observations have you made regarding Vietnam's transformation and progress? And what are your expectations for the future of bilateral relations after this election?

I arrived during the change of the government from multi-tier to two-tier. From what I've realized and heard from the Foreign Ministry and other ministries, it speeds up the process and the interaction between business people, and I believe between the diplomats and the government as well. This has made my work much quicker and much more efficient.

Regarding Vietnam-Pakistan bilateral relations, this is a question I had from my ministry in Pakistan, especially regarding parliamentary cooperation. I believe other governments have a curiosity to see this change and adaptation. I am happy to say I have been trying to force both governments and parliamentary institutions together to interact more, which helps set the foundation for how we can develop and build up trust. We look forward to Pakistan-Vietnam relations becoming deeper and more effective after the election.

The upcoming Pakistan's National Day (March 23) marks a major historic milestone. Could you please share the significance of this day and highlight some of the country's most notable achievements?

This is the 86th anniversary of the National Day of Pakistan (1940-2026). Pakistan gained independence in 1947, but the resolution for a separate nation was made in 1940 for the safety and preservation of religious beliefs.

Since then, Pakistan has had ups and downs, working along with the changes in the global environment. We have worked very hard to maintain integrity, unity, and respect for all faiths and ethnicities. We went from being a very small and underdeveloped country to more of an industrial country over the last few decades.

Despite being in a very strategic and turbulent global situation, we have tried to maintain stability throughout. Pakistan has made strong alliances and diplomatic agreements with the U.S., China, Russia, and many other countries. We pride ourselves on having very good diplomatic relations, and our main goal is to have diplomatic communication first and maintain diplomatic channels and dialogue with all the world.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan Pham Anh Tuan attended the meeting of the Pakistan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group chaired by Ms. Saba Sadiq, Chairman of the Pakistan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group, on January 20. (Photo: Vietnam Embassy in Pakistan)

Vietnam and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding tradition of friendship. On the occasion of National Day, could you share the embassy's priority action plans to elevate relations, especially in the economy, culture, and tourism?

Pakistan opened its Embassy here in 1972, so we've had a longstanding relationship for over half a century. It has been a steady friendship and a cordial relationship where we appreciate each other.

However, I think we have not really pushed actively to intensify our relationship. So my "passion," my job, and my delight here has been to be the "catalyst" for expanding our economic relationship, tourism, cultural exchange, and many other things.

First, we've tried to get literature from both Pakistani and Vietnamese authors translated to each other's native language so we understand each other's culture and the way we think better.

Regarding tourism, the flow from Vietnam to Pakistan is developing really well. Conversely, I need to bring more Pakistanis to Vietnam to enjoy the beautiful beaches, landscapes, cultural heritage sites, and the mountains. Many Pakistanis aren't aware of all that is available in Vietnam.

On the economic front, we are working towards a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to have preferred dealings between our governments and businesses. This is in process - we've had two or three rounds already, and I hope it will be finalized in a few months.

I am also trying to build direct air connectivity from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad. This will be a boost for both tourism and trade. I believe these connections combine our countries together and lead to fewer misunderstandings. Only when we have better alignment and communication can we work together to solve global problems and stop the risk of conflict.

Thank you very much, Mr. Ambassador!

National Assembly Election 2026: The power of voter participation WVR - The National Assembly election is an opportunity for voters to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities, contributing to strengthening the social foundation and ...

Lao Ambassador: 16th National Assembly election creates new momentum for Vietnam WVR - According to Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh, the election of the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the ...

National Assembly and People's Council Elections 2026: Representatives must master technology and connect with the people WVR - New demands for National Assembly representatives extend beyond political acumen to include data and technology proficiency, alongside enhanced dialogue with constituents.

National Assembly Election 2026: Ballots and responsibility for the nation's future WVR - Each ballot is a choice for the nation's future. Voting is not only a right but also a civic responsibility. When voters thoroughly ...

National Assembly, People's Councils Election 2026: Nearly 79 million Vietnamese voters ready for Election Day on March 15 WVR/VGP - Tomorrow (March 15), nearly 79 million voters nationwide will participate in the election of the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all ...