Vietnam - Saudi Arabia: Important partners, sincere friends

In recent times, the Vietnam - Saudi Arabia relationship has deepened in trade, investment and labor cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and shared common interests.

Delegates take a group photo at the 95th anniversary of Saudi Arabia's National Day in Hanoi . (Photo: Chu Van)

On the evening of September 23 in Hanoi, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held a reception to celebrate the 95th National Day with the participation of leaders of Vietnamese ministries, departments and branches; ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, heads of international organizations in Hanoi and many international friends.

On behalf of the Government of Vietnam, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang congratulated the 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and sent her best wishes to the King, Crown Prince and the people of Saudi Arabia. She stressed that this is not only a source of pride for the Saudi people but also an opportunity for the international community to recognize the country's reform and integration efforts. For decades, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pillar of stability, an intellectual voice in international affairs and a driver of global economic growth.

According to Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam considers Saudi Arabia an important partner and a sincere friend; the two countries' relations are deepening in trade, investment and labor cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests. She expressed her belief that the partnership will continue to develop, unlocking more potential and bringing practical benefits to both sides.

With their favorable positions, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia can become a bridge between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); active participation in the ASEAN-GCC Summits in 2023 and 2024 is a testament to the ability to jointly promote regional connectivity, enhance economic exchanges and contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the Middle East.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the event. (Photo: Chu Van)

Speaking at the ceremony, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy emphasized that the theme of National Day 2025 is “Proud of Our Identity”, affirming that the Kingdom’s greatest strength lies not in its resources or material achievements, but in the Saudi people themselves.

Under Vision 2030 and under the leadership of the Royal Family, Saudi Arabia recorded significant progress in the areas of economy, investment and community development; 93% of indicators were completed or on track, and 85% of initiatives were implemented.

Specific results include more than 116 million tourist arrivals by 2024, a 36% female workforce participation rate, and strategic projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea. In parallel, Saudi Arabia is actively preparing to host the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 World Cup, demonstrating its determination to integrate and expand international exchanges.

Regarding relations with Vietnam, Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy said that in recent years, the two sides have actively exchanged delegations and organized many effective meetings, bringing about practical results. Visits by many Saudi Arabian agencies to Vietnam, such as the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Food and Drug Administration, the Saudi Arabian Development Fund, the Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) or the King Salman Global Academy of Arabic Language..., have affirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to deepening and expanding cooperation in many fields with Vietnam.

In particular, the economy is considered a pillar in bilateral cooperation. Vietnam-Saudi Arabia trade turnover has increased by 53%, from about 2 billion USD in 2021 to more than 3 billion USD in 2024, making Saudi Arabia one of Vietnam's leading economic partners in the Middle East.

Besides trade, tourism – a potential field of cooperation – has also developed positively with more than 10,000 Saudi Arabian visitors to Vietnam last year, reflecting the good friendship between the two countries.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy. (Photo: Chu Van)

Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy said that he had worked in Vietnam for three years. He found that Vietnam is a country with great national pride, “a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community”. This spirit was clearly demonstrated on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, when pride spread throughout the country.

During his tenure, he witnessed a clear transformation of Vietnam: entering a period of rising, confidently asserting its mettle and position in the region and the world. Comprehensive reforms were implemented urgently and decisively, demonstrating a desire for development and strategic vision.

Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dhalwy expressed his pride in contributing to fostering and developing the cooperative relationship between the two countries. According to him, every step forward in bilateral relations is the result of joint efforts, mutual understanding, respect and commitment to development. It is not only a diplomatic achievement but also a testament to the increasingly strong friendship between the two countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-saudi-arabia-doi-tac-quan-trong-nguoi-ban-chan-thanh-328655.html