Vietnam, UAE Seek Deeper Defence Cooperation Amidst Visa Easing and Economic Ties

The UAE Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports will be able to obtain a visa on arrival from June 25, 2026, provided they meet the specified requirements. The two nations have established the scope of regulation, applicable entities, and principles for determining the origin of goods under the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). These provisions are applicable to authorized agencies and organizations issuing certificates of origin, traders, and entities involved in import-export activities. Vietnam-UAE relations have seen continuous growth, with the UAE now serving as Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Middle East and a potential investor. For Vietnam, the UAE is not only a crucial economic partner but also a sincere and reliable friend, sharing common values of peace, cooperation, and prosperity. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged Canada to broaden its market access for Vietnamese goods, particularly agro-forestry-fishery products, while also seeking to enhance cooperation in training a skilled workforce in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and semiconductors. Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) should persist in promoting exchanges at all levels, expand defense and security cooperation, and strive to achieve their bilateral trade target of US$100 billion by 2026 and US$150 billion by 2030 in a balanced and sustainable manner, according to Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. He noted the RoK's four-decade transformation into a developed economy, fueled by sci-tech, innovation, and digitalization, expressing expectations for expanded bilateral cooperation to accelerate Vietnam's own innovation drive. Vietnam consistently offers full support to foreign investors, including those from Australia, for their long-term business operations, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated. He also emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to implementation schedules for key national transport projects, stipulating that deadlines should not be extended without objective reasons. Vietnam's representation at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term holds particular significance given the complex situation in the East Sea, characterized by overlapping maritime claims and disputes. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung reiterated Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's view that Vietnam must achieve a new breakthrough in its institutional framework and legislation, transforming them into a driver of growth. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau highly valued the contributions of Mr. Takebe, Special Advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, over his three decades in promoting Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation, particularly in people-to-people exchanges, local-level cooperation, education, and human resource development, with the Vietnam-Japan University (VJU) project being a flagship initiative. Recognition was given to the 63 members of a Vietnamese hospital unit for their service in a UN peacekeeping mission, with the awarding of the UN peacekeeping medal to all members, signifying their dedication and contribution. A Vietnamese military official also highlighted that the deployment reflects Vietnam's commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian responsibility. Information Source: VietnamPlus English