A significant shift in diplomatic energy took place at Noi Bai International Airport on the afternoon of February 2. A high level delegation led by the Speaker of the Jordanian House of Representatives touched down in the Vietnamese capital, marking the start of a critical four day official visit. This arrival signals a fresh and aggressive push by both nations to move beyond standard diplomatic pleasantries and forge concrete economic and political alliances.
The visit comes at a time when Southeast Asia and the Middle East are increasingly looking toward each other for economic diversification. Speaker Mazen Turki El Qadi is here not just to shake hands but to build a bridge that connects the markets of the Levant with the manufacturing prowess of Vietnam. With a schedule packed until February 5, political analysts expect this tour to result in actionable frameworks that benefit businesses and citizens in both countries.
A Strategic Arrival At Noi Bai
The atmosphere at the airport was charged with anticipation as flight touched down on Sunday afternoon. Don Tuan Phong, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defence, Security and External Relations, led the welcoming committee on the tarmac. He was joined by key figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically from the Middle East Africa Department, highlighting the weight Hanoi places on this relationship.
This is not a solo mission by the Jordanian Speaker. He has brought a heavyweight team with him that signals exactly where the conversations will go. The delegation includes Jordan’s Ambassador to Singapore and Vietnam, Sa’ed Radaideh, who has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for this week.
Alongside the diplomats are specific members of the Jordanian Parliament representing vital sectors. The inclusion of committee members from finance, youth, health, food security, and climate change proves that this visit is about solving modern problems.
The composition of the group suggests a working visit rather than a ceremonial one.
- Finance Experts: Likely to discuss investment treaties and tax cooperation.
- Climate & Environment Members: Addressing water scarcity and agricultural resilience.
- Youth & Sports Representatives: Focusing on cultural exchange and future generations.
Why This Partnership Matters Now
Vietnam and Jordan established diplomatic relations back in August 1980. However, for decades, the relationship remained friendly but relatively quiet. That dynamic is changing rapidly. As Vietnam seeks to expand its export markets beyond traditional partners like the US and EU, the Middle East stands out as a golden opportunity.
For Jordan, Vietnam represents a gateway to the bustling ASEAN market. The timing of this visit is impeccable as both nations face global economic headwinds and are looking for reliable partners to secure supply chains.
One of the most pressing topics on the table is food security. Jordan is a nation with limited arable land and water resources, while Vietnam is a global powerhouse in rice, coffee, and seafood production.
Key Stat: Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Jordan has seen steady growth, but experts agree it is far below its potential, often hovering under the $500 million mark in previous years. This visit aims to double that figure by removing trade barriers.
Cracking The Halal Market Code
A major underlying theme of this trip is likely Vietnam’s ambition to enter the global Halal market. The Middle East imports a massive amount of food, and Vietnam wants a bigger slice of that pie.
For Vietnamese exporters, getting Halal certification and understanding the logistics of the Middle Eastern supply chain is the biggest hurdle. Jordan serves as a perfect logistics hub and political entry point for Vietnamese goods to flow into the wider Levant and Gulf regions.
The presence of the “health and food” committee members in Speaker El Qadi’s delegation supports this theory. We can expect discussions to revolve around:
- Standardizing food safety protocols.
- Easing customs procedures for agricultural goods.
- Sharing technology in water management and farming.
Vietnam has the goods, and Jordan has the market access. Connecting these two dots is the primary goal of the meetings scheduled with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
Parliamentary Diplomacy In Action
The core of this visit is “parliamentary cooperation.” While governments sign deals, it is the parliaments that ratify them and create the laws that make business possible. The invitation came directly from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, showing a proactive approach from the Vietnamese legislative body.
During the next few days, the two leaders will likely discuss how their respective houses can support legal frameworks to protect investors. When lawmakers talk directly, it often speeds up the bureaucratic process that slows down international trade.
The legal and administrative committee members accompanying Speaker El Qadi will play a huge role here. They will likely meet with their Vietnamese counterparts to compare notes on legislation related to digital economy, cyber security, and foreign investment protection.
Areas of Focus for Lawmakers
| Sector | Goal | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Law | Reduce tariffs and red tape | Faster movement of goods |
| Tourism | Visa waivers or simplified processes | Increase in visitor numbers |
| Education | Student exchange programs | Scholarships for university students |
Bridging The Cultural Distance
Beyond the hard numbers of trade and finance, there is a strong push for people-to-people connection. Jordan is home to Petra, one of the wonders of the world, just as Vietnam boasts Halong Bay.
Both nations rely heavily on tourism as a pillar of their economies. Sharing best practices on how to manage heritage sites while boosting tourist numbers is a natural area for collaboration.
The “Youth and Sports” committee members will likely explore ways to increase travel and interaction between young people of both nations. Understanding each other’s culture is the foundation of any long-term political alliance.
The visit also touches on climate change. Both Vietnam and Jordan are vulnerable to climate shifts—Vietnam with rising sea levels in the Mekong Delta, and Jordan with extreme water scarcity. The environment committee members are expected to sign memorandums of understanding to share research and technology to combat these existential threats.
Looking Ahead To February 5
As the delegation settles into Hanoi, the clock is ticking. The official visit concludes on February 5, leaving just a few days to finalize agreements. The meetings over the next 72 hours will determine the trajectory of Vietnam-Jordan relations for the next decade.
Observers are keen to see if a Joint Statement will be issued at the end of the trip. Such a document would outline specific targets for trade volume and investment projects.
This visit is a clear signal that Vietnam is diversifying its foreign policy and that Jordan sees East Asia as a vital partner for its future stability and growth.
We will continue to track the developments of these high-level meetings and report on any major agreements signed.
