KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has arrived in Hanoi for his first official visit to Vietnam.

       The two-day visit reflects the importance of Malaysia-Vietnam relations as close neighbours and partners in Asean.

       Upon arrival at the Hanoi airport at 1.45pm (local time), Ismail Sabri was greeted by Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son and other government officials.

       In 2023, the two countries will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

       Wisma Putra said Ismail Sabri’s visit was at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh.

       Both leaders will hold meetings to review the progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action 2021-2025 of the Malaysia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership.

       They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, reported Bernama.

       “The two prime ministers will witness the exchange of a memorandum of understanding on legal cooperation activities and recruitment, employment and repatriation of workers.

       “Malaysia and Vietnam will also exchange a Letter of Intent on cooperation in diplomatic training.

       “In addition, the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Vietnam News Agency will sign an Agreement on Professional Cooperation,” added Wisma Putra in a statement.

       Based on the programmes lined up by Vietnam, Ismail Sabri is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with the secretary-general of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, besides having engagements with the Malaysian business community and Malaysian diaspora in Vietnam.

       Ismail Sabri, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, will be accorded an official welcome at the Presidential Palace today.

       Ismail Sabri is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.