KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the close relationship between Malaysia and Vietnam will be a catalyst for strengthening the Asean region.
He said that his meeting with the country's National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn today confirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and the halal sector.
They both agreed on the importance of relations between the Parliaments of both countries. Malaysia recognises Vietnam's role through the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) since 1995 as a key moment for Parliamentary integration in the region.
"Through the exchange of best practices in legislation, governance, and reform, we have succeeded in strengthening democratic foundations and expanding the horizons of cooperation," Anwar said in a Facebook post tonight.
The leaders also supported the entry of Timor-Leste into the Asean family, which he said symbolises the unity and solidarity of the region.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that Malaysia views Azerbaijan as a strategic partner with great potential, particularly in energy, tourism, the halal industry, and cooperation in the construction and mineral sectors.
"This is a platform we will strengthen for the benefit of the people of both countries. I commend Azerbaijan's role in advancing the regional peace agenda, including through the recent Washington Framework for Peace," he said.
Anwar had also met with Azerbaijan's National Assembly Speaker Sahiba Gafarova during the 46th AIPA at the Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
The Prime Minister noted that Azerbaijan's leadership on the international stage, especially within the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), shows that diplomacy is not just a way to resolve conflicts but a medium to uphold justice and humanity.
"Therefore, the government will continue to bridge the East and West through a statecraft approach and diplomatic art. In a world that continues to be fragmented today, Malaysia chooses to be a voice and a mid-tier power on the geopolitical stage toward a more peaceful and balanced world," Anwar said.
