Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed that in the flow of international integration, the friendly relations between Vietnam and Middle Eastern and African countries are increasingly improving, opening up a more comprehensive and practical cooperation horizon. With the strategic orientation from the "four pillar ministries" resolutions, Vietnam is proactively integrating deeply, taking the lead in new development trends, considering the Middle East and Africa as important partners to realize development goals.
In the context of Vietnam actively diversifying its market, this region is increasingly important, and at the same time giving Vietnam support at international forums.
foundation for a new development stage
In terms of politics and diplomacy, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with all 70 countries in the Middle East and Africa. In 2024, for the first time, Vietnam upgraded its relationship with the UAE to Comprehensive Partnership - the highest cooperation framework with a country in the region. Vietnam also established relations with regional organizations such as the African Union, the Arabian Federation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. High-level delegation exchanges regularly create political trust, strengthen traditional cooperation and expand to new areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, and peacekeeping.
In Africa, the image of Vietnamese blue Beret soldiers in the United Nations peacekeeping force is highly appreciated by international friends.
In terms of economy, trade, investment, trade turnover doubled in the 2016-2024 period, reaching about 34 billion USD, but is still not commensurate with potential. Investment cooperation continues to expand, many Middle Eastern funds and corporations are investing in Vietnam, while large Vietnamese enterprises are affirming their mark in the region. In particular, the Halal sector has emerged as a new pillar of cooperation. In October 2024, Vietnam will organize the first Halal International Conference, marking an important step of integration into the global Halal ecosystem.
Steadily entering the new era
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said that the Middle East - Africa is forecast to continue to be an attractive destination for global investment, with open market potential and an increasingly important role in the international value chain. Development strategies such as Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Kuwait 2035 or the Acceleration Decade 2024-2033 of the African Union show the determination to comprehensively innovate the economy, society, and culture.
2025 is a pivotal year to implement the 13th National Party Congress's goals, and at the same time marks a turning point in Vietnam's international integration. In that context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified 4 key groups of solutions to promote relations with the Middle East - Africa, contributing to shaping a peaceful, stable and favorable environment for sustainable development.
One is to deepen political and diplomatic relations, and increase presence in Africa. Two is to create a breakthrough in economic, trade and investment cooperation; negotiate FTAs; promote cooperation in science - technology, artificial intelligence. Three is to promote cultural, sports and tourism cooperation, build a Halal tourism ecosystem, and promote the Vietnamese community in the region. Four is to strengthen multilateral coordination, contributing to shaping a fair and sustainable international order, protecting the legitimate interests of developing countries.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed that the Vietnam - Middle East - Africa relationship is both a lasting achievement and opens up a new vision. With the direction of the Party and State leaders, the support of ministries, branches, localities and enterprises, the relationship between the two sides will firmly enter an era of trust, sustainable development and prosperity.
