Saudi Arabia views Vietnam as a potential transshipment gateway for goods to countries and territories across the Middle East, stated Mr. Musa bin Ahmed Al-Barqi, Deputy Minister for Transport and Logistics Services, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

He made the remarks during a working session with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Construction, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sang, on October 8.

Deputy Minister Al-Barqi expressed his hope that both sides would soon sign a bilateral cooperation agreement on transport and an agreement on the recognition of seafarer certificates of competency under the STCW (the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) to enhance maritime connectivity. 

Acknowledging Vietnam's significant potential in maritime and air transport, Deputy Minister Al-Barqi emphasized the need for both countries to promptly implement specific cooperation programs.

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia consistently considers Vietnam an important partner in Southeast Asia. In recent years, cooperative relations between the two nations have continuously developed, particularly in economic, investment, and trade sectors.

According to Mr. Al-Barqi, Vietnam possesses clear advantages in transport infrastructure and logistics, and is a dynamic market strongly attracting international investment flows.

Deputy Minister Sang, for his part, agreed with a proposal to establish a joint working group to promote specific cooperation activities in the transport sector.

Regarding the agreement on the recognition of seafarer certificates of competency, Mr. Sang suggested that both sides promptly accelerate negotiations and finalize the content to proceed with signing in the near future.