On December 1, 2025, at the Government Headquarters, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with Brunei King Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and a high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Vietnam.
Discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, the two leaders agreed to highly appreciate the strong development of the Vietnam - Brunei Comprehensive Partnership in recent times through the effective implementation of the 2023-2027 Action Program.
High-level and all-level contacts as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms are maintained regularly. Economic cooperation has developed remarkably with bilateral trade turnover in 2024 reaching nearly 671.4 million USD, up 165% over the previous year, exceeding the 2025 target; cooperation in security, defense, agriculture, aquaculture, oil and gas, Halal, tourism and education is very effective.
To further strengthen bilateral relations, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that the two countries continue to prioritize a number of key areas:
First, continue to maintain exchanges of high-level delegations and all levels, promote the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms; continue to effectively implement the Action Program to implement the Vietnam - Brunei Comprehensive Partnership for the period 2023-2027.
Second, promote economic and trade cooperation, invest in priority areas such as oil and gas, chemicals, Halal food processing, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Vietnam proposed that Brunei continue to support Vietnamese enterprises in providing oil and gas services, recognizing Halal certificates for export and participating in the global supply chain; be ready to support Brunei in ensuring food security, providing raw materials for Halal production, and request the two sides to study signing a rice trade agreement.
Third, strengthen maritime cooperation, especially seafood exploitation and information sharing on law enforcement at sea. Regarding the issue of preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Vietnam always attaches importance to and has taken many strong measures in preventing IUU, hoping that Brunei will continue to closely coordinate and support Vietnam in developing a sustainable marine economy.
Fourth, expand cultural, sports and educational exchanges, enhance understanding between the people of the two countries, especially expand links between educational institutions and student exchanges, and joint research.
Agreeing with the proposals to strengthen relations of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the King of Brunei suggested that the two countries further promote cooperation in the fields of energy, seafood exploitation, Halal and people-to-people exchanges, believing that the documents signed during the visit will promote cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.
Discussing regional and international issues, the two sides agreed to closely coordinate at international forums such as ASEAN and the United Nations, especially maintaining ASEAN's common stance on regional issues such as Myanmar and the East Sea, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world.
On this occasion, King Haji Hassanal Bolkiah respectfully invited the Prime Minister to visit Brunei at an appropriate time. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh respectfully thanked the King and Royal Family for their affection for the country and people of Vietnam and happily accepted.
