Opening a new phase of cooperation for Vietnam

Photo caption — King Abdullah II of Jordan. Photo: AFP/VNA

On this occasion, VNA reporters in the Middle East - North Africa interviewed Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep - Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and concurrently in Jordan - about this visit.

How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the King of Jordan's first visit to Vietnam in history, especially as this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries? Through previous contacts, how did the King of Jordan share his feelings about the country and people of Vietnam?

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

Through previous meetings with Vietnamese leaders, the King of Jordan expressed a very positive impression of the country and people of Vietnam; praised the hardworking and diligent Vietnamese people, admired the socio-economic development achievements as well as the strong rise of Vietnam. The King of Jordan wished to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, both politically , economically and socially. 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 with President Luong Cuong, witness the signing of documents; meet with key leaders of Vietnam; speak at the Vietnam - Jordan Business Forum, attend the Roundtable of Textile and Garment Enterprises; lay flowers in memory of heroic martyrs and visit President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

I hope that through this visit, 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. In addition, the two sides will also strengthen cooperation in food security, promote cooperation in the field of Halal, including human resource training, production, processing, packaging, distribution and mutual recognition of Halal certificates. In addition, strengthening cooperation in education and training, developing high-quality human resources in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and green energy will also be promoted, in addition to promoting and advertising tourism, which are potential areas of cooperation for both sides.

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 years, 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 Vietnam exported more than 95% (nearly 181 million USD), mainly agricultural and aquatic products, electronic products and consumer goods. Regarding investment, as of the end of September 2025, Jordan had 5 valid investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered investment capital of 1 million USD, ranking 108th out of 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 on Halal, education and training, develop high-quality human resources, and at the same time step up tourism promotion and advertising.

What advice does the Ambassador have for 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, so enterprises need to avoid products, images or communication methods that are sensitive to religion, and must focus on personal relationships and reliability).

In addition, Vietnamese enterprises also need to increase their presence, promote and advertise their products and 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, businesses should prioritize investment in industries that are suitable for regional needs and potential areas such as agricultural products, food, Halal production, seafood, construction materials, consumer goods, textiles, renewable energy, logistics, information technology and skilled labor. Businesses also need to manage risks and payments well, avoid unclear intermediary transactions, and carefully check the reputation of partners before implementing cooperation.

What special impressions and memories does the Ambassador have of Jordan, a place with many wonders and ancient relics?

I was very impressed with Petra, a world cultural heritage and “one of the most precious cultural assets of mankind”. In 2007, Petra was voted as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Petra has also been the setting for 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 more than just a city; it is a marvel carved entirely into rock.

In Petra, I was very impressed by Al-Khazneh (“The Treasury”) – Petra’s most famous structure, about 40m high and delicately carved directly into the pink cliff. In addition to “The Treasury”, Petra also has The Monastery (Ad-Deir) – the most majestic structure, located high up and requiring climbing more than 800 stone steps to reach. Petra also has the 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!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/mo-ra-giai-doan-hop-tac-moi-cho-quan-he-song-phuong-viet-nam-jordan-20251110161626141.htm