HANOI, Aug 5 (Bernama-VNA) -- Vietnamese President To Lam described Vietnam-Malaysia relations as increasingly dynamic, underpinned by strong political trust and economic cooperation, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.
He said this when receiving outgoing Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai on Wednesday.
The Vietnamese leader conveyed his regards to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and invited them to visit Vietnam.
Lam also congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his mission in Vietnam and wished him success in his new position, expressing confidence that Tan would continue contributing to Malaysia's diplomacy and the development of bilateral ties.
Stressing Malaysia's important place in Vietnam's foreign policy, Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to cooperation with Malaysia and wishes to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Reviewing the achievements during Tan's tenure, Lam said political relations between the two countries had become increasingly close, with regular exchanges of high-level and other official visits through party, state, government and parliamentary channels, effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and growing people-to-people exchanges.
He said economic cooperation had also recorded strong growth, with two-way trade reaching US$10.8 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 40 per cent year-on-year.
Malaysia remains the third-largest ASEAN investor and the 10th-largest among 154 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
The two countries also share common priorities in digital and green economic development, energy and electricity connectivity, and maritime cooperation.
Lam suggested strengthening political trust by increasing exchanges, implementing high-level agreements, and enhancing cooperation in defence, security and maritime affairs.
He also called for greater facilitation of balanced trade and investment, and stronger collaboration in the digital and green economies, science and technology, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Tan said he was impressed by Vietnam's remarkable development in recent years and expressed confidence that Vietnam and Malaysia would continue making important contributions to fostering a united and resilient ASEAN.
Tan reaffirmed that Malaysia values its cooperation with Vietnam and hopes to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the digital economy, green economy and renewable energy.
The diplomat pledged to continue promoting Vietnam-Malaysia relations, drawing on his professional experience and special affection for Vietnam.
He also took the opportunity to convey the Malaysian King's invitation to President Lam to visit Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA-VNA