Malaysia, Vietnam ties mark another milestone with setting up of Friendship Association

MVFA President Tran Thi Chang said the friendship association aimed to contribute towards deepening the friendship, cooperation and understanding between people of both countries.

It also aimed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, she said at MVFA's launch here, on Saturday's night.

Chang also thanked the Malaysian government and the Vietnam embassy in Kuala Lumpur for their continuous assistance and support for the Vietnamese community in Malaysia, especially in the past two years when the world was battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia and Vietnam established formal bilateral relations in 1973.

She said as part of the celebration to mark the 50th anniversary next year, the MVFA will organise a "Malaysia-Vietnam Trade Fair".

Meanwhile, speaking at the launch, Vietnam's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Tran Viet Thai said besides enhancing the people-to-people ties, MVFA can also play its role in promoting extensive cooperation and exchanges of mutual benefits between the two countries.

He also hoped that the association will be a platform for the young generation of both countries to better understand each other through cultural and educational activities.

There are currently some 20,000 Vietnamese residing in Malaysia.