Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang of Vietnam visited Malta on September 9-10, engaging in significant discussions with high-ranking officials including Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, as well as Deputy Minister Christopher Cutajar. This visit marks a diplomatic milestone as it is the first official visit from a Vietnamese government representative to Malta.
During her meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Borg, Le Thi Thu Hang congratulated Malta on its recent accomplishments and expressed gratitude for Malta’s consistent support for Vietnam in bilateral relations and international forums, especially within the European Union (EU). She highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing ties with Malta and advocated for robust cooperation across various levels and sectors, including political consultations between their foreign ministries.
Borg reciprocated by emphasizing Malta’s desire to strengthen relations with Vietnam. He supported the enhancement of Vietnam-EU ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed Malta’s readiness to serve as a gateway for Vietnam into the EU. He also encouraged Vietnam to assist Malta in boosting its ties with the ASEAN bloc.
The discussions delved into cooperative measures across diverse fields such as economics, trade, education, science, technology, and maritime affairs. Both parties agreed on the importance of supporting Vietnam in meeting EU product standards and working towards the lifting of the EU’s IUU yellow card. They underlined the significance of maritime cooperation, including training for seafarers and ocean research.
On broader regional and international matters, Borg reaffirmed the importance of international law and supported ASEAN’s position concerning the East Sea, highlighting the relevance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In talks with Deputy Minister Cutajar, the focus shifted to reviewing bilateral ties and finalizing commitments for long-term cooperation. Cutajar praised Vietnam’s dynamic socio-economic advancements and reiterated Malta’s readiness to enhance economic collaborations through mutual business facilitation and the full utilization of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Both sides pressed for the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to stimulate investment between Vietnam and EU nations, including Malta.
Malta’s expertise in maritime and shipping was prominently featured, with readiness affirmed towards bolstering collaborations in maritime training and tourism.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang also expressed gratitude for Malta’s support of the Vietnamese community residing there and sought assurances for continued assistance aiding their integration.
Moreover, she explored the Maritime MT training center, which focuses on maritime education and training. Recognizing its potential for fostering partnerships with Vietnamese universities, she appreciated Maritime MT’s programs and expressed intent to strengthen these educational links.
In conclusion, the visit marks a significant step in fostering Vietnam-Malta relations, with endorsements for intensified collaboration across multiple sectors and a commitment to strengthening mutual understandings.
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