July 31, 2025
HANOI – Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính reiterated Việt Nam’s support for the collective efforts of ASEAN as he held phone talks with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday afternoon.
He said that Việt Nam stands ready to coordinate with the ASEAN Chair in addressing regional issues and maintaining intra-bloc solidarity.
PM Ibrahim underlined Malaysia’s commitment to promoting dialogue and ensuring unity and cohesion in resolving the border issue as he talked about the country’s measures to help address tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border in its capacity as ASEAN Chair.
He also reiterated the call for both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force, and resolve disputes peacefully and appropriately in accordance with fundamental principles of international law, the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
PM Chính highly valued the regular communication between Việt Nam and Malaysia, which reflects increasing political trust between the two countries in general and their top leaders in particular, in the spirit of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Vietnamese Government leader also praised the efforts of PM Ibrahim and Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, in promoting the peaceful settlement of the Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, particularly the July 28 meeting between the Cambodian Prime Minister and the Acting Thai Prime Minister, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement.
He described this as a positive first step toward de-escalating the conflict.
He stated that Việt Nam is willing to send representatives to ASEAN-led mechanisms to help monitor the ceasefire implementation between Cambodia and Thailand, as proposed by the Malaysia, and to support humanitarian assistance for the people of both countries.
Regarding bilateral ties, the two PM agreed to maintain regular exchanges and strengthen political trust.
They committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by promoting cooperation in innovation, science and technology, energy, and electricity transmission among Việt Nam, Malaysia, and Singapore to help build the ASEAN power grid.
The two countries also looked forward to soon signing a rice trade agreement, under which Việt Nam would help contribute to Malaysia’s food security.
The Vietnamese and Malaysian leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including trade and tariff policies with other countries while maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in both nations, the region and the world.