Congratulating Ambassador Shadi Abu Zarqa on his new assignment, Minister Luong Tam Quang expressed confidence that, with his legal expertise and rich diplomatic experience, the Ambassador will enjoy a highly successful term of office in Vietnam.
Reaffirming the close bond between the two nations, Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized that Palestine has been a close friend and trusted partner of Vietnam, from the past struggle for national independence to the present-day cause of national construction and development. Despite the geographical distance, the two countries share many similarities and a common aspiration for an independent, sovereign and prosperous nation with a fair and democratic society.
Sharing in the hardships and losses currently borne by the Palestinian people, particularly the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Minister Luong Tam Quang affirmed Vietnam’s strong support for efforts to restore peace and stability in Gaza and the wider region. He expressed Vietnam's desire to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and seeking long-term, comprehensive solutions for the regional peace process in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Regarding the bilateral law enforcement cooperation, Minister Luong Tam Quang recalled the visit to Vietnam by the Palestinian Minister of the Interior in May 2023, along with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Crime Prevention and Control, describing it as an important milestone establishing a solid foundation for bilateral security and law enforcement cooperation.
To further consolidate the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Minister Luong Tam Quang proposed that the two sides actively promote bilateral cooperation across all fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, national defense and security, education and training, and socio-cultural affairs, while stepping up mutual support at regional and international multilateral forums.
To promote specialized cooperation, Minister Luong Tam Quang suggested continuing to step up delegation exchanges at all levels between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Palestinian Ministry of the Interior, as well as to foster cooperation in cybersecurity, combating high-tech crime, and tackling transnational crime.
Minister Luong Tam Quang highlighted the need to enhance information sharing on global and regional issues of mutual concern, particularly emerging threats to each country's security and order. He also requested that Palestine actively share information regarding international terrorism and transnational organized crime that could pose risks to Vietnam’s security and safety.
For his part, the newly appointed Ambassador Shadi Abu Zarqa sincerely thanked Minister Luong Tam Quang for taking the time to receive him and spoke highly of the positive developments in cooperation between the two countries in general, and between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Palestinian law enforcement agencies in particular.
The Ambassador expressed his wish that, in the coming time, the two sides will continue to expand and deepen cooperation in potential areas, contributing to maintaining security and order in each country and promoting peace, stability and development worldwide.