In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have reaffirmed their commitment to a newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a working breakfast in Hanoi. The meeting, held on Wednesday during Ibrahim’s visit to Vietnam for the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, underscored the growing political trust and practical cooperation between the two nations, with both leaders expressing optimism for future collaboration across a wide range of sectors.
Prime Minister Ibrahim hailed Vietnam as a key strategic partner in the region, praising its remarkable socio-economic progress in recent years. In response, Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the timely importance of the visit, coming on the heels of the upgraded partnership, and congratulated Malaysia on its position among the world’s top 27 most competitive economies. He expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ambitious development goals under Ibrahim’s MADANI economic policy, a framework aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.
The leaders took stock of the positive trajectory of their bilateral relationship, noting the success of high-level exchanges, including Ibrahim’s official visit to Vietnam in July 2023 and Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s trip to Malaysia in November 2024. These interactions have bolstered political trust and enhanced cooperation in critical areas such as defence, security, economy, and culture, while also paving the way for new mechanisms to strengthen ties. 
Economic and Trade Collaboration at the Forefront
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Vietnam-Malaysia relationship. Malaysia stands as Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and third-biggest investor within ASEAN, with trade and investment ties continuing to deepen. Both nations have made significant strides in key sectors, including energy, labour, agriculture, and food security. Emerging areas such as the green economy and digital transformation are also gaining prominence, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable development.
During their discussions, the two prime ministers agreed to prioritise the organisation of the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Commission for Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation in 2025. They also committed to approving an Action Programme to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2025-2028 period. Additionally, plans are underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the Halal industry, a sector of growing importance for Malaysia, which has positioned itself as a global leader in Halal certification.
Beyond traditional economic domains, the leaders identified opportunities to expand collaboration in innovation-driven fields. These include digital economy initiatives, smart agriculture, e-government systems, and cybersecurity measures. Such efforts align with broader regional trends towards technological advancement and could position both countries as leaders in ASEAN’s digital transformation journey. While specific outcomes remain speculative, the potential for job creation and economic diversification, if realised, could be transformative for both nations.
Maritime Cooperation and Regional Stability
A notable focus of the discussions was maritime cooperation, an area of mutual concern given overlapping interests in the South China Sea, referred to regionally as the East Sea. The leaders agreed to enhance collaboration on maritime issues and establish a hotline to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—a persistent challenge in the region. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable marine resource management and could serve as a model for other ASEAN nations grappling with similar issues.
On a broader scale, both prime ministers reiterated their dedication to regional stability, advocating for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). They also called for expedited negotiations towards a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Their joint vision is to transform the East Sea into a zone of peace, stability, and cooperative development—a goal that, while ambitious, remains contingent on the cooperation of all regional stakeholders.
Prime Minister Chinh expressed Vietnam’s full support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” He voiced confidence in Malaysia’s ability to steer the bloc towards greater solidarity and resilience, particularly in addressing complex regional challenges. This endorsement underscores Vietnam’s recognition of Malaysia’s growing influence within ASEAN and the importance of collective action in navigating geopolitical tensions.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Beyond high-level diplomacy, the leaders emphasised the importance of fostering closer cultural and social connections. They agreed to enhance cooperation in education, training, labour, agriculture, culture, and sports, recognising these as vital components of a holistic partnership. One practical measure discussed was increasing the frequency of flights between Vietnam and Malaysia, which could boost tourism and business exchanges, further cementing ties between their peoples.
Such initiatives are particularly significant given the diverse cultural landscapes of both countries. Vietnam, with its rich historical tapestry, and Malaysia, with its multi-ethnic society, stand to gain from greater cultural exchange. Educational partnerships, for instance, could facilitate student exchanges and joint research programmes, while labour cooperation might address skill shortages in key industries. These efforts, though still in planning stages, hold promise for long-term mutual benefit if implemented effectively.
ASEAN’s Central Role and Multilateral Cooperation
The meeting also highlighted the importance of multilateral frameworks in addressing regional and global challenges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a united and cohesive ASEAN, strengthening intra-bloc cooperation, and reinforcing the organisation’s central role in the regional architecture. Their consistent coordination and mutual support in candidacies for international organisations further illustrate a shared strategic outlook.
Vietnam and Malaysia’s alignment on ASEAN priorities comes at a critical juncture, as the region faces multifaceted challenges ranging from economic recovery to geopolitical rivalries. The emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship could provide a roadmap for balancing growth with environmental and social considerations. While the specifics of Malaysia’s agenda remain to be seen, Vietnam’s backing suggests a collaborative approach to tackling pressing issues such as climate change and digital inequality.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership with Potential
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia represents more than a diplomatic milestone; it is a framework for addressing shared challenges and seizing new opportunities in a rapidly changing region. From economic collaboration to maritime security, the breadth of their discussions reflects a mutual understanding of the interconnected nature of modern geopolitics.
However, the success of this partnership will depend on the ability to translate commitments into tangible outcomes. While plans for joint commissions, action programmes, and memoranda of understanding signal intent, their impact remains to be seen. Speculative benefits, such as economic diversification through digital initiatives or enhanced regional stability through maritime cooperation, must be approached with cautious optimism, as they hinge on sustained political will and effective implementation.
For now, the reaffirmed ties between Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur stand as a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration. As both nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their partnership could serve as a stabilising force within ASEAN, contributing to a more integrated and resilient Southeast Asia. With Malaysia set to take the helm of ASEAN in 2025, and Vietnam as a steadfast partner, the stage is set for a dynamic chapter in their bilateral relations—one that holds promise for both their citizens and the broader region.
