Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology Omran Sharaf co-chaired the third political consultation between the two countries' foreign ministries in Hanoi on October 28.
The two officials reviewed progress in bilateral relations in recent years and discussed measures to deepen and broaden cooperation. They agreed to strengthen Vietnam-UAE cooperation to enhance each country's autonomy and resilience and diversify partnerships amid rapid global changes, complexity and uncertainty.
The co-chairs welcomed positive developments in bilateral relations since the second political consultation in February 2023, particularly the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in October 2024 and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect in February 2026. The UAE remains Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Middle East and Africa, with bilateral trade reaching US$6.5 billion in 2025.
The Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister congratulated the UAE on its achievements in implementing its National Vision 2031 and expressed sympathy for the difficulties it faces amid ongoing conflicts. She said she believed the UAE and other countries in the region would overcome current challenges and continue to prosper.
Affirming Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE, its first comprehensive partner and, to date, its only comprehensive economic partner in the Middle East, Hang said Vietnam was ready to work with the UAE to promote substantive cooperation.
Hang praised the UAE's role and initiatives in addressing global issues, particularly energy and water security. She said Vietnam, as a responsible member of the international community, would actively support and coordinate with the UAE on feasible and appropriate initiatives.
Sharaf highlighted progress in Vietnam-UAE relations since former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to the UAE in 2024, saying bilateral ties were entering a new chapter of cooperation. He said the two countries had a strong foundation for expanding collaboration in priority areas and exploring new opportunities.
The UAE expressed its desire to become a trusted partner of Vietnam in science and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
The UAE welcomes Vietnamese goods and stands ready to facilitate their access to its market while supporting the development of Vietnam's Halal ecosystem. Sharaf said this includes cooperation on Halal recognition and certification, adding to the two Vietnamese Halal certification bodies already recognised by the UAE.
The UAE reaffirmed its support for the early launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Vietnam. It also encouraged investment in Vietnam by UAE funds, conglomerates and businesses, which are showing growing interest in the country as a fast-growing, sustainable economy and a leading investment destination in Asia.
To elevate bilateral relations, the co-chairs agreed to make the most of existing commitments and agreements and explore feasible approaches, in line with each side's regulations, to address difficulties in cooperation.
They agreed to promote high-level visits between the two countries in the near future and support exchanges and cooperation between their oil and gas enterprises to ensure a stable, long-term energy supply for Vietnam. They also encouraged the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to work with UAE partners to strengthen business links through appropriate frameworks and mechanisms.
Both sides agreed to continue implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement effectively and accelerate UAE investment projects in Vietnam, notably a data centre project involving G42 and a Vietnamese joint venture. They also agreed to promote cooperation between the two countries' international financial centres.
The two sides pledged to study and coordinate logistics and transport cooperation initiatives to ensure smooth and efficient bilateral trade flows in current circumstances. They also agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral, international and regional forums, particularly within the United Nations.
The officials discussed cooperation mechanisms and agreed to strengthen connectivity and effective collaboration between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council, ASEAN and the UAE, and Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council. They exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern.
Earlier, as part of the political consultation programme, Sharaf met representatives of several Vietnamese corporations and businesses, including VinFast and Viettel, to discuss specific cooperation opportunities.
During his visit to Vietnam, Sharaf will join the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs at the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on October 28-29. They are scheduled to meet city leaders and Vietnamese businesses on the sidelines of the event.
Sources: Viet Nam News
