News Desk
Hanoi — Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met on Friday with Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel in Hà Nội, as the two nations marked a new step in their diplomatic ties during the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime — the first international treaty of its kind.
Mr. Son thanked Dr. Khaleel for attending the ceremony on behalf of the Maldivian government and for the Maldives’ “steadfast support and close cooperation” during Vietnam’s hosting of the convention. He also hailed five decades of bilateral friendship, noting the Maldives’ consistent backing of Vietnam in international forums, including its recent support for Hanoi’s successful bid to join the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2026–28 term.
Dr. Khaleel praised Vietnam’s leadership in facilitating the landmark convention, describing it as “a crucial step toward a more secure and responsible digital world.” He expressed appreciation for what he called the “warm and thoughtful” welcome extended by his Vietnamese hosts.
Both sides emphasized their shared status as maritime nations facing similar challenges; from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels to the need for sustainable ocean-based economies. Dr. Khaleel highlighted Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and said the Maldives hoped to deepen cooperation in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
The ministers agreed to set up a regular dialogue mechanism between their foreign ministries and to accelerate the signing of cooperation agreements to establish a stronger legal framework for collaboration. Sectors identified for future partnership include trade, agriculture, construction, and seafood processing.
Dr. Khaleel said the Maldives planned to send business delegations to Vietnam to study its aquaculture and seafood industries, while offering to share expertise in tuna fishing and tourism development. He invited Vietnamese companies to explore investment opportunities in the Maldives’ booming tourism sector, particularly in infrastructure and hospitality.
To foster greater cultural and economic exchange, both officials encouraged airlines to consider launching direct flights between the two countries and discussed easing travel procedures for citizens and businesspeople.
Mr. Son and Dr. Khaleel reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other at multilateral platforms, including candidacies for key U.N. bodies — a continuation, they said, of the close cooperation that has long defined Vietnam–Maldives relations.
(Photo: Vietnam News Agency)
