Vietnam - Saudi Arabia: Important partners and sincere friends
WVR - On the evening of September 23, in Hanoi, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted a reception to celebrate the 95th National Day.
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| Delegates take a group photo at the 95th Saudi Arabian National Day celebration in Hanoi. (Photo: Chu Van) |
The event was attended by leaders from various Vietnamese ministries and agencies, ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, heads of international organizations in Hanoi, and numerous international friends.
Recently, the relationship between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia has deepened in trade, investment, and labour cooperation, based on mutual respect and shared benefits.
On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its 95th National Day, extending best wishes to the King, Crown Prince, and the people of Saudi Arabia. She emphasized that this is not only a source of pride for the Saudi people but also an occasion for the international community to acknowledge the country's reform and integration efforts. For decades, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pillar of stability, a voice of wisdom in international matters, and a driver of global economic growth.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam regards Saudi Arabia as an important partner and a sincere friend; the bilateral relationship has deepened in trade, investment, and labour cooperation, based on mutual respect and shared benefits. She expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to advance, unlocking potential and bringing tangible benefits to both sides.
With advantageous positions, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia can serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); their active participation in the ASEAN – GCC Summits in 2023 and 2024 is a testament to their ability to promote regional connectivity, enhance economic exchanges, and contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the Middle East.
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the event. (Photo: Chu Van) |
Speaking at the celebration, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy highlighted that the 2025 National Day theme is "Proud of Our Identity", affirming that the Kingdom's greatest strength lies not in its resources or material achievements, but in its people.
Under the Vision 2030 framework and the leadership of the Royal Family, Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in economic, investment, and community development; 93% of the indicators have been completed or are on track, and 85% of initiatives have been implemented.
Specific achievements include over 116 million tourist visits in 2024, a female labor force participation rate of 36%, and strategic projects like NEOM and the Red Sea. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia is actively preparing to host World Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034, demonstrating its commitment to international integration and expanding global exchanges.
Regarding relations with Vietnam, Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy noted that in recent years, both sides have actively exchanged delegations and organized many effective engagements, yielding practical results. Visits by various Saudi Arabian agencies to Vietnam, such as the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Development Fund, Saudi EXIM Bank, and King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, have affirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to deepening and expanding cooperation in multiple fields with Vietnam.
Economics, in particular, is considered a pillar of bilateral cooperation. Vietnam – Saudi Arabia trade turnover increased by 53%, from approximately $2 billion in 2021 to over $3 billion in 2024, making Saudi Arabia one of Vietnam's leading economic partners in the Middle East.
Besides trade, tourism – a potential cooperation area – has also developed positively, with over 10,000 Saudi Arabian visitors to Vietnam last year, reflecting the strong friendship between the two nations.
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| Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy. (Photo: Chu Van) |
Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy said that he has spent three years working in Vietnam. He emphasized that Vietnam is a nation rich in national pride, “a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.” This spirit was clearly demonstrated during the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, when a profound sense of pride spread across the country.
During his tenure, he witnessed Vietnam's remarkable transformation: entering a phase of growth, confidently asserting its capabilities and position in the region and the world. Comprehensive reforms have been implemented swiftly and decisively, reflecting a desire for development and strategic vision.
Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy expressed pride in contributing to the nurturing and development of cooperative relations between the two countries. According to him, each step forward in the bilateral relationship is the result of joint efforts, mutual understanding, respect, and commitment to shared development, which is not only a diplomatic achievement but also a testament to the increasingly strong friendship between the two nations.
