Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son praised the successful outcomes of political con🃏sultation between Vietnamese and Qatari foreign ministries during a reception in Hanoi on July 19 for Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Soltan Bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.

Minister Son highlighted the importance of closely monitoring the implementation of reached commitments and agreements, particularly the exchange of high-level delegations, and advancing initiatives to boost Qatari investments in areas of shared interest. He underscored the shared commitment to global and regional peace and stability, advocating for enhanced mutual support at multilateral forums. Specifically, he said they should leverage their roles as active members to strengthen the connection between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Al-Muraikhi, for his part, affirmed Qatar’s high regard for its multifaceted friendship and cooperation with Vietnam. He commended Vietnam's increasingly active participation and significant roles in multilateral and regional forums, particularly within ASEAN, and pledged to effectively implement the cooperation contents discussed during the political consultation, facilitate high-level visits, and coordinate on global and regional issues. Both sides agreed that connecting people of the two countries is fundamental to expanding cooperation in various fields. They plan to intensify cultural, art, sport and tourism exchanges, and facilitate travel between citizens, including exploring negotiations on a visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders. Earlier the same day, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and Minister Al-Muraikhi co-chaired the third political consultation. Hang affirmed Vietnam's commitment to fostering multifaceted and friendly cooperation with Qatar. Al-Muraikhi praised Vietnam's socio-economic development and global integration policies, noting that Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing economies globally. He also affirmed the Qatari Government’s readiness to expand practical and effective collaboration across all sectors. Both sides vowed to facilitate the exchange of all-level delegations and offer mutual support at global forums. The Qatari minister pledged to expedite negotiations and signing of cooperation agreements on diplomacy, labour, youth, extradition and transfer of sentenced persons. Hang suggested enhancing the exchange of information, cooperation and business connections between the two countries. She expressed her hope that Qatar would soon arrange a business trip to Vietnam, promote the establishment of a joint investment fund, and assist Vietnam in developing its Halal industry. The guest promised to push Qatari ministries to facilitate the entry of Vietnam's key products into the Qatari market and ensure a stable supply of gas, chemicals, and raw plastics to Vietnam. He affirmed his support for Qatari participation in the national Halal conference hosted by Vietnam in October. Both sides agreed to explore potential collaboration on bilateral, trilateral or multilateral agricultural projects; increase cultural, sport, and tourism exchanges; and expand student exchange programnes. This includes increasing Arabic language scholarships and undergraduate courses in Qatar for Vietnamese students. Responding to Hang’s proposal, Al-Muraikhi vowed to urge Qatar Airways to resume direct flights between Doha and Da Nang city. Host and guest pledged to work closely together to realise the discussed outcomes, boost bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their people, and for peace and stability in the region and globally./.