Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on October 20 as part of his visit to the Middle East country, where he also attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

In regard to bilateral relations between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, the two PMs shared the view that the two countries hold huge potential and opportunities to further develop their friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

They noted that it is necessary to consolidate sound political - diplomatic relations by increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels, open their markets, and promote trade ties.

The two leaders agreed to join hands to build a cooperative roadmap, define specific cooperative projects and areas as well as business opportunities between enterprises from the two countries, and strive to bolster cooperation between the two governments and businesses communities with a view to taking bilateral relations to a new high.

Prime Minister Chinh congratulated Saudi Arabia’s outstanding achievements that have enabled the country to become an important partner in the region and the world. He suggested that Saudi Arabian investment funds inject capital into fields Vietnam is prioritizing for development, such as the green economy, innovation, high technology, industry, and renewable energy.

He also asked the House of Saud and the Saudi Arabian Government to continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens to live and work in Saudi Arabia, making contributions to the development of the host nation as well as the friendship between the two countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for his part, affirmed that Vietnam is a leading partner of Saudi Arabia in Southeast Asia and hopes that his country will accompany Vietnam in the future.

The Crown Prince said he will direct Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to expand its investment in Vietnam, especially in the fields of traditional energy and renewable energy.

A world leading energy corporation in Saudi Arabia, which is investing and operating business in Asia, wants to expand its investment to Vietnam, he added.

Prime Minister Chinh took the occasion to invite the Saudi Arabian leader to pay an official visit to Vietnam in 2024 when the two countries celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Saudi Arabian leader said he has wanted to visit Vietnam, and will arrange a trip to the country next year.