Saudi Arabia considers Vietnam a key partner in Southeast Asia
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Musa bin Ahmed Al-Barqi emphasized that Saudi Arabia regards Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia. In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has developed strongly, particularly in economy, investment, trade, and logistics.
According to Mr. Al-Barqi, Vietnam possesses significant advantages in transport infrastructure and logistics capacity, as well as being a dynamic and fast-growing market that is attracting substantial international investment. These strengths create great opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two sides.
Proposal to establish a Vietnam–Saudi Arabia Joint Working Group
Highlighting the potential for collaboration in maritime, aviation, and multimodal transport, Mr. Al-Barqi proposed establishing a Vietnam–Saudi Arabia Joint Working Group to exchange information, explore investment opportunities, and develop an effective coordination mechanism between the two ministries.
He also noted that Saudi Arabia could serve as a gateway for Vietnamese goods to reach the Middle East region, and expressed the desire to soon sign a Bilateral Transport Cooperation Agreement and a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Seafarer Certificates under the STCW Convention, to enhance maritime connectivity and human resource standards.
Accelerating the implementation of the Vietnam–Saudi Arabia Logistics Cooperation Agreement
For his part, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang affirmed that bilateral relations between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have grown positively, especially following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2023.
He agreed with the proposal to form a joint working group and stated that the Department of International Cooperation would act as the focal point to coordinate with relevant agencies — particularly the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which is responsible for implementing the Vietnam–Saudi Arabia Logistics Cooperation Agreement — to accelerate progress in the coming period.
Toward enhanced regional logistics connectivity
Regarding the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Seafarer Certificates, Deputy Minister Sang suggested that both sides should expedite negotiations to reach a consensus and sign the agreement as soon as possible.
He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s request for Vietnam’s support of its candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council (Category C) and noted that the Ministry of Construction would consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies before giving an official response.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close communication to realize specific cooperation opportunities, thereby promoting transport and logistics connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia and expanding cooperation across the Middle East and Asia.
Source: VnEconomy
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