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| Logo designed by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Hà Nội to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam. |
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year celebrates its National Day on September 23, to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom and its founding by His Majesty King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud in 1932, as well as to recall achievements of the Kingdom under the leadership of the founding father and his sons til the current reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This year, the Embassy celebrates the Saudi 94th National Day alongside the 25th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, marking a significant milestone in the history of the two nations’ relationship. This occasion provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the quarter-century of cooperation and friendship that has flourished between us.
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| Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, during a bilateral meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the GCC-ASEAN Summit in October 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Photo Courtesy of the embassy |
On this momentous anniversary, it is essential to acknowledge the shared values and goals that have brought our nations closer. Both Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam are dynamic, rapidly advancing countries that hold increasingly significant positions in their respective regions and on the international stage. The two countries share a common aim to promote peace, stability and coexistence throughout the world.
On October 21, 1999, diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam were officially established, laying the groundwork for a robust partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests. The opening of the Embassy of Việt Nam in Riyadh in 2007 and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Hà Nội in 2008 further consolidated this relationship, facilitating closer interactions between the two countries across all spheres.
Since then, our relations have grown stronger and stronger. Over the years, Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam have cultivated a multifaceted relationship, marked by significant achievements in politics, diplomacy, trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
In political and diplomatic ties, the two countries have witnessed positive developments, as demonstrated by more frequent exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-ranking visits, underscoring the importance both countries attach to their bilateral ties. Of those, the most recent prominent occasion was the meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, during the visit of His Excellency to Saudi Arabia to attend the GCC-ASEAN Summit last October. This fruitful visit witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding and an agreement between the two governments in the fields of crime prevention, the judicial system, tourism and commerce.
Previously, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, also paid visits to Việt Nam in March 2022 and August 2023 respectively. These visits reflect the keenness of our two countries to boost bilateral cooperation and deepen connectivity between the two peoples.
The two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021, also fruitfully held the first political consultation in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia to exchange views and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In international and multilateral forums, the two countries also have close cooperation and coordination, frequently exchanging support and endorsements to enhance each other’s positions in different organisations. Additionally, both countries are committed to fostering a robust and distinctive relationship between GCC and ASEAN.
In the economic domain, Saudi Arabia has become one of Việt Nam’s largest partners in the Middle East. Bilateral trade between the two countries has experienced robust growth over the years, reaching US$2.68 billion in 2023 — an increase of approximately 43 per cent from $1.87 billion in 2014. Exchanges between the business sectors of both countries are being further promoted, as evidenced by the two-way trade turnover of $1.42 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year. We look forward to enhanced trade engagements in the coming years, given the significant opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation between the Kingdom and Việt Nam, particularly in light of both countries’ efforts to expand markets, attract investments and implement economic reforms.
Recently, more Saudi enterprises are focusing on the Vietnamese market, while more Vietnamese firms are exploring opportunities to expand their business to Saudi Arabia. Last year, two Saudi Arabia-Việt Nam Business Forums were successfully organised in both countries, illustrating our commitment to fostering economic cooperation. Notably, the forum held last September in Hà Nội hosted the largest Saudi business delegation to Việt Nam and attracted the participation of a record number of enterprises from both sides, paving the way for stronger cooperation between the two countries’ business communities.
In addition, the two countries are also accelerating negotiations to finalise agreements and memoranda of understanding, aiming to expand existing economic and investment opportunities.
Beyond economic ties, cultural exchanges have played a vital role in strengthening the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam. Both nations have recognised the importance of fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s rich cultural heritage. Vibrant cultural exchanges, art exhibitions and cultural events organised to mark this 25th anniversary are testaments to our shared commitment to deepening people-to-people connections. These activities not only celebrate our rich cultural diversity but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples.
Contributing to growing exchanges between the two peoples, in October 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Việt Nam and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia signed an action programme to boost bilateral tourism cooperation and bolster two-way tourist flows.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam, it is evident that the relationship between the two nations has grown onwards and upwards. The achievements in diplomacy, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges are a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision of Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam.
Taking this opportunity, I am pleased to extend my sincere thanks to the friendly government and people of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, for their good sentiments towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people.
Finally, I extend my best wishes for further success and greater accomplishments to the government and people of Việt Nam. May the Saudi-Vietnamese relationship continue to thrive and reach new heights in the years ahead. VNS
Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider