On October 8, during a working session in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Musa bin Ahmed Al-Barqi, the Deputy Minister for Transport and Logistics Services, emphasized the importance of Vietnam as a strategic transshipment gateway for goods destined for various countries in the Middle East. This collaboration is viewed as a significant opportunity for both nations, especially in enhancing maritime connectivity.
Al-Barqi’s comments came during discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Construction, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sang. The deputy minister expressed aspirations for the two countries to quickly finalize and sign a bilateral cooperation agreement in transport. This includes a critical agreement on recognizing seafarer certificates of competency in line with the STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). Such measures are seen as pivotal in bolstering maritime links and ensuring efficient transportation pathways.
Recognizing Vietnam’s substantial potential in both maritime and air transport sectors, Al-Barqi underscored the necessity for the swift implementation of targeted cooperation programs. He highlighted Vietnam’s robust transport infrastructure and logistics capabilities as key advantages that position the country as a dynamic market drawing significant international investment.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing its partnership with Vietnam, considering it an essential ally in Southeast Asia. In recent years, the cooperative ties between the two nations have seen notable advancements, particularly in the realms of economics, investment, and trade.
In response, Deputy Minister Sang endorsed Al-Barqi’s proposal to form a joint working group aimed at facilitating collaborative efforts in the transport sector. He noted the urgency of expediting negotiations regarding the recognition of seafarer certificates and emphasized the importance of finalizing the framework to enable signing the agreement in the near future.
In summary, the meetings reflect a mutual recognition of Vietnam’s strategic location and capabilities, which could enhance Saudi Arabia’s logistical operations and create new opportunities for trade and investment flows between the two nations. The emphasis on timely agreements and specific cooperation initiatives illustrates both countries’ proactive approach to strengthening their bilateral relations in transport and logistics.
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