Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep expects a breakthrough in bilateral relations through the historic visit of the King of Jordan.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and concurrently to Jordan Nguyen Thanh Diep, the visit to Vietnam by Jordanian King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein marks a historic milestone in the relationship between the two countries, opening a new phase of cooperation, creating a premise for promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep presents his credentials to King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan at the Royal Palace of Jordan, March 3, 2025. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE)

On the occasion of the upcoming official visit of the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, to Vietnam, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE and Jordan, Nguyen Thanh Diep, shared with The World and Vietnam Newspaper the significance of the visit as well as his expectations for a breakthrough in bilateral relations after this historic milestone.

How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the King of Jordan's first visit to Vietnam in history, especially when this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (August 9, 1980 - August 9, 2025)? Through the meetings, how did the King of Jordan share his feelings about the country and people of Vietnam?

Taking place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations (August 9, 1980 - August 9, 2025), the visit to Vietnam by King Abdullah II Ibn Al of Jordan is of great significance. This is the first visit by the head of the Kingdom of Jordan to Vietnam and the first exchange of delegations at the level of heads of State/ Government between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

This is also the first visit by a Middle Eastern head of state to Vietnam in nine years. The visit marks a historic milestone in the relationship between the two countries, opening a new phase of cooperation, creating a premise for promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During his meetings with Vietnamese leaders, the King of Jordan expressed his very positive impression of the country and people of Vietnam; praising Vietnam for its "strong rise", admiring Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements and strong rise, along with "the hardworking and diligent Vietnamese people", and wishing to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, in terms of politics, economy and society. The King emphasized that he "has special feelings for Vietnam and wishes to visit Vietnam as soon as possible".

What special activities are expected to take place during the upcoming visit of the King of Jordan? What does the Ambassador expect from this historic visit for bilateral relations?

The King of Jordan is expected to hold talks and meetings with key Vietnamese leaders, witness the signing of documents; speak at the Vietnam-Jordan Business Forum, attend the textile and garment business roundtable; lay flowers in memory of heroic martyrs and visit President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

Through the visit, I hope that the relationship between the two countries will make a breakthrough in all fields in the coming time. In terms of politics and diplomacy, the two countries will increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations; continue to closely coordinate and support each other at international forums and organizations.

In terms of economics, trade and investment, the two sides will promote trade turnover to reach 500 million USD by 2030 and 1 billion USD by 2035. The two sides will strengthen cooperation in the field of food security, promote cooperation in the field of Halal, including human resource training, production, processing, packaging, distribution and mutual recognition of Halal certificates; strengthen cooperation in education and training, develop high-quality human resources in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and green energy; and promote tourism, a potential field of cooperation for both sides.

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep works with Jordanian Ambassador to the UAE Majed T.Alqatarneh. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE)

Could the Ambassador share the outstanding bilateral cooperation in recent times as well as the potential areas and strengths that Vietnam and Jordan need to focus on in the coming period?

In recent times, the two countries have closely coordinated and supported each other at international forums and organizations. Trade turnover in 2024 reached approximately 190 million USD, of which we exported more than 95% (nearly 181 million USD), mainly agricultural and aquatic products, electronic products and consumer goods.

Regarding investment, by the end of September 2025, Jordan had 5 valid investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered investment capital of 1 million USD, ranking 108/153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

In the coming time, the two sides need to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations; continue to closely coordinate and support each other at international forums and organizations; strengthen cooperation in the field of food security, promote cooperation in the field of Halal, strengthen cooperation in education and training, develop high-quality human resources, and at the same time promote and advertise tourism, a potential field of cooperation for both sides.

Could the Ambassador give some advice to Vietnamese businesses wishing to approach and cooperate with the Jordanian market in particular and the Middle East market in general?

Jordan in particular and the Middle East market in general are potential areas for Vietnamese enterprises. To do business effectively in this region, first of all, enterprises need to thoroughly understand Islamic culture and local business practices (Middle Eastern countries respect Islamic religion, customs and culture; enterprises need to avoid products, images, and communication methods that are sensitive to religion; focus on personal relationships and trust).

At the same time, it is necessary to increase the presence of product promotion and advertising, participate in major specialized fairs in Dubai (UAE), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar) ... such as Gulfood, Arab Health, Big 5, ADIPEC to find partners .... To create a competitive advantage, priority should be given to investing in industries that meet regional needs, potential areas such as agricultural products, food, Halal production, seafood, construction materials, consumer goods, textiles, renewable energy, logistics, information technology and skilled labor. Enterprises need to manage risks and payments well, avoid unclear intermediary transactions, and carefully check the reputation of partners before implementing cooperation.

What special impressions does the Ambassador have of Jordan - a place where many wonders and ancient relics converge?

I was very impressed with Petra, a world cultural heritage, "one of the most precious cultural assets of mankind". In 2007, Petra was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra has also been the setting of many famous movies, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , The Mummy Returns and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ...

Petra is known as “The Rose City” because its sandstone cliffs take on a vibrant pink hue that changes with the sunlight. Petra was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people renowned for their stone carving skills and control of the spice and silk trade routes that linked Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Petra is not just a city, but a marvel carved entirely into rock.

In Petra, I was deeply impressed by Al-Khazneh ("The Treasury"), Petra's most famous structure, about 40 meters high, intricately carved directly into the pink cliff. In addition, Petra also has The Monastery (Ad-Deir), the most majestic structure, located high up, having to climb more than 800 stone steps to reach; Roman Theater, a Roman-style theater with a capacity of about 3,000 people; Royal Tombs, a complex of Nabataean royal tombs; sophisticated underground water systems and water tanks, testament to the level of technology beyond the time.

Petra is not only a tourist destination, but also a symbol of Jordanian identity, representing the intersection of nature, creativity and thousands of years of history. Petra is a living testament to the talent and wisdom of ancient people, the pride of Jordanians and a symbol of resilience, creativity and peace, values ​​that this country has been pursuing over time.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Petra, known as The Rose City, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. (Source: Getty Images)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-nguyen-thanh-diep-ky-vong-dot-pha-cho-quan-he-song-phuong-qua-chuyen-tham-lich-su-cua-quoc-vuong-jordan-333849.html