President Truong Tan Sang and Malaysian Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah have agreed that the two countries will boost cooperation in various fields including defense, security, labor, oil and gas, agriculture, education and training.

The agreement was made during their meeting in Hanoi on September 6, during which the two leaders expressed their pleasure at the two countries’ friendship and comprehensive cooperation over the past time, and discussed ways to take the bilateral ties to a new height.

The two leaders highly valued the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year and agreed to strengthen visits by high-ranking delegations as well as cooperation among ministries, departments and localities. President Sang promised that the Vietnamese government will create all possible favorable conditions for Malaysian firms to do business in the country and hailed Malaysia as one of Vietnam’s top trading partners and investors.Malaysia is now Vietnam’s 9th biggest trade partner with the two-way trade reaching nearly US$7.9 billion last year and $3.6 billion in the first five months of 2013. Malaysian businesses have invested in 448 projects with total registered capital of more than $100 billion, ranking 8th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

During their discussion of regional and global issues of mutual concern, the host suggested the two sides continue working closely at regional and international forums, especially those within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the United Nations.

President Sang highly appreciated Malaysia’s stance on the East Sea issue and recommended continued bilateral efforts with other ASEAN member states in this matter.

The President hosted a banquet in honor of Sultan Abdul Shah and his entourage on the evening of the same day.