Vietnam and Bahrain Strengthen Ties With Increased Cooperation

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu and Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Bahrain Foreign Ministry Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Source: Ngoc Nguyen

According to VNA, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu recently conducted a visit to Bahrain where he co-chaired the inaugural deputy ministerial-level political consultation between the two foreign ministries.

During his stay in Bahrain from February 11-12, Deputy FM Hieu held meetings with Hamad Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Vice Chairwoman of the ASEAN-Bahrain Council, Feryal Abdullah Nass.

During the meetings, both parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the first political consultation between the two foreign ministries since the signing of the memorandum of understanding in 2007. They also acknowledged the progress made in bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of politics and diplomacy. However, they agreed that there is room for further development in economic collaboration, as it has not yet fully realized its potential and met their aspirations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hieu and Undersecretary for Political Affairs Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa of the Bahrain Foreign Ministry have reached an agreement to strengthen collaboration between their respective ministries. They have emphasized the need to work closely together in implementing measures to enhance the efficiency of the bilateral partnership. This includes increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels, with a particular focus on high-level engagements, as well as promoting people-to-people exchange.

Both sides will also collaborate and provide assistance to each other in international and regional forums and organizations. They will also encourage businesses to strengthen their connections and participate in activities that promote trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, they will enhance cooperation between business associations such as the ASEAN-Bahrain Council and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), to facilitate the import and export of each country’s high-quality products to the respective markets.

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu and Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Bahrain Foreign Ministry Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa co-chaired the first deputy ministerial-level political consultation between the two foreign ministries. Source: Ngoc Nguyen

The two countries should expand their partnership in potential areas such as oil and gas, energy, tourism, logistics, and the Halal industry. They also emphasized the need to negotiate agreements that will facilitate legal cooperation.

During the event, both parties also engaged in discussions on various regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, emphasized Bahrain’s approach to economic collaboration with ASEAN nations, including Vietnam.

He emphasized that the two nations have numerous similarities in promoting significant areas of development. He vowed to actively support the collaboration between ministries, sectors, and companies from both sides.

At the meeting with Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade. Source: Ngoc Nguyen

Hieu recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce maintain favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to enter Bahrain and support Vietnamese companies in expanding their operations in the country. He also proposed specific collaborations among the ministries, sectors, and economic agencies of both sides.

During the meeting with Vice Chairwoman of the ASEAN-Bahrain Council, Feryal Abdullah Nass, Mr. Hieu expressed his appreciation for the council’s proactive efforts in strengthening economic relations between Bahrain and ASEAN countries.

During the meeting, he requested the council’s support in fostering relationships between businesses from both sides. Additionally, he extended an invitation for council members to visit Vietnam, with the aim of exploring potential opportunities for collaboration and investment.

According to Feryal Abdullah Nass, the council leaders are keen on Vietnam and have expressed their commitment to collaborate with the Vietnamese Embassy in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in order to organize trade promotion activities in the future.

Hieu took this opportunity to meet with representatives from various businesses in the host country, as well as Vietnamese entrepreneurs residing in the country.

Deputy Minister Pham Quang Hieu worked with Vice Chairwoman of the ASEAN-Bahrain Council Feryal Abdullah Nass, met representatives of Bahraini businesses and some Vietnamese businessmen living and working in Bahrain. Source: Ngoc Nguyen