Vietnam - Oman relations witness positive development across various fields: diplomat

Relations between Vietnam and Oman have witnessed strong positive growth in recent years, with a series of bilateral cooperation documents and agreements having been signed and inter-ministerial and inter-governmental mechanisms regularly maintained.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the ceremony.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the ceremony.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed the above at the 49th anniversary of the National Day (November 18) of the Sultanate of Oman, organised in Hanoi on the evening of November 20 by the Embassy of Oman in Vietnam.

According to Vu, as a long-time friend of Oman with a traditional bond of amity and collaboration, Vietnam have always paid attention to the happenings in Oman and took pride in the remarkable accomplishments that Omani people have made in various fields, which have elevated Oman’s standing in the world. The friendly relationship and cooperation between Vietnam and Oman have made effective contributions to each country's construction and development, the diplomat stated.

In economic matters, the bilateral trade turnover has grown dramatically over the last few years, to US$117 million in 2017 and US$127 in 2018, doubling the value of the previous years. The Vietnam - Oman Investment JSC (VOI) has made successful investments in key areas, such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, hydro power and water treatment plants, and healthcare in Vietnam.

Deputy FM Vu affirmed that Vietnam is becoming a preferred investment destination, thanks to the tireless efforts in administrative and institutional reforms by the Government and its central position in the regional network of FTAs. He called on the businesses of Oman and of other Gulf countries to step up their investment and operation in Vietnam, drawing upon the inspiration of the VOI's success.

Delegates cut the cake to celebrate the event.

Sharing the same viewpoint, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Vietnam, Ahmed Abdullah Al Nahdi, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, thanks to the efforts of the two Governments, the bilateral relationship has witnessed tremendous progress in many fields. The most recent example was the third meeting of the Political Consultation in Muscat between the foreign ministries of the two countries on October 14, in which the two countries agreed to push bilateral cooperation to new levels.

In addition, General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong also presented the Friendship Order to Sultan Saif Hilal Al Mahruqi, Oman's first Ambassador to Vietnam, on the occasion of the end of his seven-year term last month. The award was given in recognition of Al Mahruqi’s positive contributions to promoting and deepening the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Oman.

According to Al Nahdi, the efforts of the two countries in recent years have led to an increase in the volume of trade exchange to 122%, an increase in the level of exchange of official and business delegations, as well as the increased rate of tourist visits between the two countries. In term of investment, the VOI continues to invest in Vietnam in various important fields, such as healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, services, highways and water treatment plants.

At the ceremony, the delegates looked back on the achievements of cooperation between the two sides, praising the promising future of Vietnam-Oman relations in many fields, such as trade, investment, cultural cooperation, education - training and tourism.