By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The    Embassy of Vietnam in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA) marked its 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties with Malaysia on Monday, with a number of activities announced to strengthen the people-to-people bonds between the two countries..

In his remarks at the event, H.E. Dinh Ngoc Linh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Malaysia said the ties between the two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have flourished not only in trade and commerce but also in cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

“For over five decades, the bilateral corporation has continued to be reinforced and promoted across all pillars, from politics and diplomacy to defence- security as well as economy, culture and people exchanges especially after the two countries upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2015,” he said at the Announcement Ceremony of Activities Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations (1973-2023).

“Together with cooperation in the fields of labour, education, tourism…etc, Vietnam and Malaysia have enjoyed the close partnership not only bilaterally but also multilaterally, both within ASEAN and at other international fora, with a view to address regional and global challenges,” he said.

There are several events lined up to mark the anniversary from June till the end of 2023, including commercial discussions, cultural exchanges including showcasing Vietnamese cuisine to Malaysians and a joint dragon boat race.

For her remarks, MVFA President Tran Thi Chang said both countries shared a rich culture and heritage , outlining further efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, giving the friendship between both countries a personal touch.

“MVFA has been working diligently to foster a stronger bond between Vietnam and Malaysia, especially between our dear Malaysian friends and the vibrant Vietnamese community residing here in Malaysia.

“Malaysia and Vietnam have many similarities in terms of culture and customs, and the people of the two countries have maintained a close relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, before the unification of Vietnam. This confirms that Malaysia has been a great support to Vietnam,” she said.

The reception was attended by ambassadors and representatives from several countries, who joined guests of the embassy, who were treated to cultural shows and other activities arranged by the hosts.

Vietnam is Malaysia’s 11th largest trade partner and seventh-largest export market. The two-way trade reached approximately US 15 billion in 2022. Vietnam and Malaysia aim to take the bilateral trade turnover to US 18 billion in coming years.