Vietnam–UAE relations gain strong support from both governments and the prive sector

The event was attended by representatives of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from foreign embassies in Hanoi, as well as officials from various ministries, agencies and localities across Vietnam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Almatrooshi highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, noting that “Unity” reflects the cohesion of Emirati society, core values of cooperation, and collective efforts that have shaped the UAE into a modern nation.

Describing the UAE’s development journey since its founding as one that “began with a clear vision and unwavering determination”, the Ambassador said the country has now emerged as a model of human-centred development, building a strong present and laying solid foundations for the future.

Recalling 2024 as a milestone year in bilateral ties, Ambassador Almatrooshi said Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s official visit to the UAE in October produced important outcomes, including the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. The two sides also signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and multiple memoranda of understanding between major corporations and private enterprises.

“The distinguished ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam reflect a strong and mutually beneficial partnership rooted in respect and shared interests. These relations have advanced rapidly in recent years, supported by both governments and private sectors to fulfill the vision of our leaderships.

High-level exchanges continue to underline the importance of this partnership. The meeting between His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit is a clear example”, the Ambassador stressed, adding that bilateral trade surged by 50% in 2023–2024 to reach 12 billion USD.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Hằng extended her warmest congratulations to Ambassador Almatrooshi and the UAE community living and working in Vietnam.

“Vietnamese people have always admired the UAE’s extraordinary journey - your “miracles in the desert” - where world-class cities, cutting-edge technologies, and ground-breaking innovations have emerged from vision, courage, and limitless creativity no matter how dire one’s circumstances may be. 

Vietnam warmly congratulates the UAE on the remarkable achievements towards realizing the targets in Vision 2031 under the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE’s piooneering efforts in economic diversification, innovation, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainable development over the past 54 years have not only elevated your country as a global hub of excellence, but also provide valuable inspiration for nations like Vietnam in our new era of renewal, transformation, and rising aspiration”, she affirmed.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Hằng expressed confidence that recent progress will continue to strengthen the close friendship and deepen the comprehensive ties between Vietnam and the UAE, bolstered by growing political trust and enhanced strategic understanding through more than 50 high-level exchanges in 2024 alone.

Economic cooperation, she noted, is also expanding robustly, with the UAE remaining Vietnam’s leading economic partner and largest export market in the Middle East.

“The UAE remains Vietnam’s leading economic partner in the Middle East and our largest export market in the region, with new opportunities emerging in logistics, renewable energy, innovation, digital transformation, Halal industries, and people-to-people exchange.

Importantly, the UAE is not only our important economic partner but also a sincere and trusted friend with whom we share common aspirations for peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity. Never before have our cooperative activities been as dynamic, substantive, and wide-ranging as they have been over the past year - across economic, trade, investment, defense, security, enterprise cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges”, she added.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to look back on the UAE’s 54-year journey of formation and development, and to enjoy a performance of Al-Ayyala, an iconic traditional art form recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performed by Vietnamese students.

The UAE Embassy also screened a short video showcasing the beauty of Vietnam as captured through the lens of Emirati artists. These activities underscored the spirit of cultural exchange and the growing friendship between the peoples of the two nations.