Vietnam - Malta Cooperation Has Much Room for Development

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, emphasized that despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Malta have consistently maintained effective cooperation across various fields, including trade, education, and cultural exchange.

He highlighted that Malta's strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, serving as a bridge between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, offers significant potential for collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City, which stands as the economic, cultural, and innovation hub of Vietnam. However, he also pointed out that there remain many untapped opportunities and room for both sides to further exploit and develop together.
 

Nguyen Van Dung highlighted that over the past 50 years, the relationship between the two countries has achieved many remarkable milestones. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, with political trust, mutual understanding, and complementary strengths, the relationship between Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and Malta is poised for new breakthroughs. The event "Malta Week in Vietnam" from December 11 to 15, along with the photo exhibition "Malta Experience" held in Ho Chi Minh City, not only celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the establishment of the Republic of Malta, but also enriches the cultural life of the city's residents, showcasing the spirit of openness, cooperation, and solidarity between the two nations. Nguyen Van Dung is confident that the visit of the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Malta to Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, and the opening of a new office of the Honorary Consul of Malta in Vietnam, will create new opportunities for the bilateral relationship to flourish.

Huynh Trung Nam, Honorary Consul of Malta in Vietnam, noted that the strong, strategic, and increasingly extensive cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Malta has been built on the foundation of a good traditional friendship nurtured over the past 50 years. Vietnam, as an important member of ASEAN, and Malta, a prosperous center of the EU, are fostering a strong inter-regional relationship that not only benefits both sides but also contributes positively to global peace and prosperity.

Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Europe and Trade of Malta, remarked that the relationship between Malta and Vietnam has evolved through various global political, social, and technological changes. He appreciated the dynamic development of Vietnam's economy and expressed confidence in the robust growth of bilateral relations, including economic ties. Cutajar emphasized Malta's eagerness for close future cooperation with Vietnam, leveraging unique strengths and shared values to create a more dynamic, sustainable relationship, leading to greater prosperity and mutual success.
 

In his welcoming speech, John Busuttil, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to China and concurrently to Vietnam, highlighted the strong development of the relationship between Malta and Vietnam, built on cultural similarities and the good friendship between their people. He affirmed that the bilateral relationship will continue to strengthen, especially among the youth of the two countries.

Earlier on December 13, Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Europe and Trade of Malta, had a working session with Duong Ngoc Hai, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Duong Ngoc Hai noted that as of November 2024, Malta has two investment projects in the city with a total investment capital of more than US$600,000. He expressed hope that after this visit, Christopher Cutajar and the Honorary Consul would enhance cooperation and exchange activities between Ho Chi Minh City and Malta in various fields, including the economy, education, and tourism.

Duong Ngoc Hai suggested specific areas of cooperation between the two sides. In education, Malta's use of English as an official language offers an advantage in attracting international students, including those from Vietnam. He proposed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Malta consider developing scholarship programs and short-term courses for students, as well as for officials and civil servants from the city to study in Malta and vice versa. In economic cooperation, he encouraged Christopher Cutajar and the Honorary Consul of Malta in Ho Chi Minh City to organize activities connecting businesses from both sides to promote investment in key areas such as high technology, financial services, and logistics.

Christopher Cutajar appreciated the 50-year relationship between Malta and Vietnam and expressed his desire to further promote cooperation between Malta and Ho Chi Minh City in sectors such as the economy, trade, tourism, and maritime services.